AthlonSports.com - Missouri Tigershttp://athlonsports.com/category/cfb-players/missouri-tigers
en10 College Rivalries Killed by Conference Realignmenthttp://athlonsports.com/10-college-rivalries-killed-conference-realignment-2015
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">10 college rivalries ended by conference realignment
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>Thanksgiving hasn&rsquo;t been the same since the Texas A&amp;M and Missouri started hanging out with the SEC. Or since West Virginia and Pitt started rolling with the Big 12 and ACC, respectively.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Conference realignment ended a handful of traditional rivalries, either because of scheduling conflicts or acrimonious relationships.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In other words, no more Texas-Texas A&amp;M. No more Backyard Brawl. No more Border War.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rivalry week isn&rsquo;t what it used to be, and, frankly, we&rsquo;d wish everyone would just get along. Here&rsquo;s a look at what conference changes have cost the sport in terms of history and tradition.</p><h4 class="athlon-medium-title" style="font-family:helveticaneue-medium,helvetica;font-size:26px;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:0em;line-height:1em;margin:0;"><br />Texas-Texas A&amp;M</h4><p><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/texas-a-m-aggies.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/texas-longhorns.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /><strong>Last played:</strong> 2011<br />Played on Thanksgiving in most years, this heated rivalry ended when the Aggies left the Big 12 for the SEC. The 2012 season maked&nbsp;the first time&nbsp;since 1915 that A&amp;M and Texas haven&rsquo;t been in the same league &mdash;&nbsp;both were charter members of the Southwest Conference and then the Big 12. Few rivalries run as deep in the traditions of each school. Both fight songs mention the other (&ldquo;Goodbye to Texas University. So long to the Orange and White&rdquo; in the Aggie War Hymn, &ldquo;And it&rsquo;s goodbye to Texas A&amp;M&rdquo; in Texas Fight). Bevo has been kidnapped through the course of the rivalry, so has Reveille. Long in the shadow of the Longhorns, Texas A&amp;M broke with Texas to join the SEC this season. For now, the best chance of a game between the two may be the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.</p><h4 class="athlon-medium-title" style="font-family:helveticaneue-medium,helvetica;font-size:26px;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:0em;line-height:1em;margin:0;"><br />Pittsburgh-West Virginia</h4><p><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/west-virginia-mountaineers.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/pittsburgh-panthers.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />Last played: </strong>2011<br />Separated by 80 miles, the Backyard Brawl was turned up a notch when Pittsburgh stopped playing its other top rival, Penn State. With both teams in the Big East and the game taking place in the final week of November in all but one year since 1997, the rivalry took a new look. The most significant game in the rivalry, though, was in 2007 when a then-No. 2 West Virginia team lost its bid to the national championship thanks to a monumental 13-9 upset to a 4-7 Pittsburgh team.<br />&nbsp;</p><h4 class="athlon-medium-title" style="font-family:helveticaneue-medium,helvetica;font-size:26px;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:0em;line-height:1em;margin:0;">Kansas-Missouri<strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/missouri-tigers.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/kansas-jayhawks.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /></strong></h4><p><strong>Last played:</strong> 2011<br />Just because the Border War (now the Border Showdown) doesn&rsquo;t rise to the same level of national attention as Michigan-Ohio State or the Iron Bowl, that doesn&rsquo;t make it any less nasty across all sports. Before Missouri left for the SEC, Kansas-Missouri was the oldest rivalry West of the Mississippi. The series has included brawls, conniving and upsets over the years. But now it&rsquo;s just a Cold War. While he won&rsquo;t be the final say, Kansas basketball coach Bill Self has indicated he wouldn&rsquo;t mind of the Jayhawks never played Missouri again.</p><h4 class="athlon-medium-title" style="font-family:helveticaneue-medium,helvetica;font-size:26px;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:0em;line-height:1em;margin:0;"><br />Nebraska-Oklahoma<strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/oklahoma-sooners.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/nebraska-cornhuskers.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /></strong></h4><p><strong>Last played: </strong>2010<br />Consider this: there&rsquo;s a whole generation out there that never watched Nebraska and Oklahoma face off on Thanksgiving.&nbsp; As the Big Eight&rsquo;s preeminent powers during the 1960s, 70s and 80s, one program in the rivalry was a consistent foil for the other. At one point, the winner of this game won the Big Eight in 31 of 36 seasons, including the 1971 Game of the Century between the No. 1 Cornhuskers and No. 2 Sooners. The formation of the Big 12 ended this game as an annual event, and Nebraska&rsquo;s departure for the Big Ten ended regular meetings altogether. A sliver of good news, though: The series has been scheduled for a non-conference home-and-home in 2021-22.</p><h4 class="athlon-medium-title" style="font-family:helveticaneue-medium,helvetica;font-size:26px;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:0em;line-height:1em;margin:0;"><br />Michigan-Notre Dame<strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/notre-dame-fighting-irish.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/michigan-wolverines.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /></strong></h4><p><strong>Last played: </strong>2014</p><p>The Michigan-Notre Dame series has been marked by lulls from 1944-77 and 1910-41, but the two teams have met nearly every year since 1978. The series was an apparent casualty from Notre Dame&rsquo;s agreement to face four or five ACC schools every season. It remains to be seen how the arrangement will affect Notre Dame&rsquo;s other traditional games against Michigan State and Purdue. Notre Dame has indicated its top rivalries to preserve would be those with USC, Navy and Stanford.</p><h4 class="athlon-medium-title" style="font-family:helveticaneue-medium,helvetica;font-size:26px;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:0em;line-height:1em;margin:0;"><br />Penn State-Pittsburgh<strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/pittsburgh-panthers.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/penn-state-nittany-lions.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /></strong></h4><p><strong>Last played:</strong> 2000<br />This used to be the biggest rivalry game for both schools, but it was at its best in the late 1970s and 80s when Pitt was a national title contender under Jackie Sherrill and Johnny Majors. Penn State coach Joe Paterno was not the biggest fan of Sherrill, and Pittsburgh was not the biggest fan of the Eastern football league Paterno hoped to establish. Pitt joined the Big East instead. When Penn State joined the Big Ten, it all but ended the series.</p><h4 class="athlon-medium-title" style="font-family:helveticaneue-medium,helvetica;font-size:26px;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:0em;line-height:1em;margin:0;"><br />Florida-Miami<strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/miami-fl-hurricanes.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/florida-gators.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /></strong></h4><p><strong>Last played:</strong> 2008<br />Once the longest running series in the Sunshine State ended when the SEC moved to an eight-game schedule. The Gators kept their annual series with Florida State, set in motion by the state legislature (Miami also continued to play FSU every year well before both were in the ACC). Florida and Miami played every year from 1938-87, ending just as both programs achieved national prominence. The two teams met intermittently since, but they&rsquo;ve played only five times since the series ended.</p><h4 class="athlon-medium-title" style="font-family:helveticaneue-medium,helvetica;font-size:26px;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:0em;line-height:1em;margin:0;"><br />Arkansas-Texas<strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/texas-longhorns.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/arkansas-razorbacks.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /></strong></h4><p><strong>Last played:</strong> 2014<br />The two programs have played only three times in the regular season since Arkansas left the Southwest Conference in 1992. The most recent meeting was a 31-7 Arkansas win in the Texas Bowl last season.&nbsp;The rivalry was at its best when the top two coaches for each school &mdash;&nbsp;Darrell Royal at Texas and Frank Broyles at Arkansas &mdash;&nbsp;overlapped from 1958-78. In 1969, No. 1 Texas defeated No. 2 Arkansas 15-14 on Dec. 2 of that season. In that famous game, President Richard Nixon attended and declared the Longhorns national champions.</p><h4 class="athlon-medium-title" style="font-family:helveticaneue-medium,helvetica;font-size:26px;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:0em;line-height:1em;margin:0;"><br /><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/syracuse-orange.png" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/31427-1/Georgetown.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 45px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />Georgetown-Syracuse</h4><p><strong>Last played: </strong>2013<br />Perhaps the biggest basketball casualty due to realignment is the end of Georgetown-Syracuse with the Orange joining the ACC in 2013-14. By the time Syracuse and Georgetown helped launch Big East basketball in 1979-80, Jim Boeheim had already begun to build his program. The advent of the league also coincided with the rise of John Thompson with the Hoyas. One of the first meeting of the two as Big East members &mdash;&nbsp;a Georgetown victory at Syracuse&rsquo;s Manley Field House to end the Orange&rsquo;s 57-game home winning streak &mdash;&nbsp;set the tone for the rest of the rivalry.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4 class="athlon-medium-title" style="font-family:helveticaneue-medium,helvetica;font-size:26px;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:0em;line-height:1em;margin:0;">Duke-Maryland<strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/40222-2/maryland.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/46916-1/Duke.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 41px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /></strong></h4><p><strong>Last played: </strong>2014<br />Back before Florida State, Miami and Virginia Tech joined, ACC basketball was iconic. Maryland was on a virtual island, isolated from the heart of ACC country on Tobacco Road. The Terrapins still tabbed Duke as their top rivalry, though the Blue Devils spent more time agonizing over what was going on in Chapel Hill instead. When both programs were at the top of their games, however, when Gary Williams faced off against Mike Krzyzewski, this series was tough to beat.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-56 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/duke-blue-devils">Duke Blue Devils</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/maryland-terrapins">Maryland Terrapins</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/georgetown-hoyas">Georgetown Hoyas</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-55 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-conferences/acc">ACC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-48 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/acc">ACC</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/big-12">Big 12</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/big-ten">Big Ten</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/sec">SEC</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/big-east">Big East</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-49 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/arkansas-razorbacks">Arkansas Razorbacks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/kansas-jayhawks">Kansas Jayhawks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/miami-hurricanes">Miami Hurricanes</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/michigan-wolverines">Michigan Wolverines</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/nebraska-cornhuskers">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/penn-state-nittany-lions">Penn State Nittany Lions</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/pittsburgh-panthers">Pittsburgh Panthers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/texas-am-aggies">Texas A&amp;M Aggies</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/west-virginia-mountaineers">West Virginia Mountaineers</a></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-must-read-links field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Must Read Links:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"><div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-must-read-links clearfix" class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-must-read-links">
<div class="content">
<div class="field field-name-field-exclude-unless-partner field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Exclude Unless Partner:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div> </div>
</div>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-exclude-from-feeds field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Exclude From Games:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Include In Games</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-previous-article field-type-entityreference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Previous Article:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Ranking the SEC&#039;s Football Coaching Jobs in 2015 (Expert Poll)</div></div></div>Tue, 14 Apr 2015 15:26:01 +0000David Fox101054 at http://athlonsports.comTop 10 Tight Ends of the BCS Erahttp://athlonsports.com/college-football/top-10-tight-ends-bcs-era
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
College Football&#039;s Top 30 Tight Ends of the BCS Era&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>Athlon Sports continues its series looking back the best players of the BCS Era (1998-2013). Today, the staff ranks the 10 best tight ends to play at least one season during the BCS Era.</p><p><em>Note: Florida&#39;s Aaron Hernandez was No. 5 initially but has been removed from the rankings by choice.</em></p><p><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/10527-2/Missouri_CoffmanC.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 363px; float: right; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 3px;" /><span style="font-size:16px;">1. Chase Coffman, Missouri (2005-08)</span></strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 247 rec., 2,659 yds, 30 TDs</p><p>It didn&rsquo;t take long for Tigers fans to see what they had in Coffman as he earned first-team Freshman All-American honors in 2005. He then broke Mizzou tight end receiving records with 58 receptions, 638 yards and nine touchdowns as just a sophomore. After two straight All-Big 12 seasons, Coffman claimed the John Mackey Award as a senior as the nation&rsquo;s top tight end after posting 90 receptions, 987 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2008. Missouri went 22-6 over his final two seasons in what many believe to be the best two-year run in program history. And the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Coffman was a huge part of that success.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>2. Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma (2006-09)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 111 rec., 1,629 yds, 26 TDs</p><p>Had the 6-foot-6, 260-pound star tight end stayed healthy and played his fourth season at Oklahoma, Gresham likely would have been the best player at his position during the BCS era. He scored 25 touchdowns in two seasons as the starter from 2007-08 &mdash; just eight shy of the NCAA tight end record (33). His All-American junior season features Sooners&#39; tight end records for yards (950) and touchdowns (14) &mdash; one shy of Mark Clayton&rsquo;s all-time single-season record regardless of position. He was arguably the top playmaker for a Big 12 champion and BCS National Championship runner-up that year as well. His season-ending knee injury prior to the start of his 2009 campaign left those in Norman wondering what could have been.</p><p><strong style="font-size: 16px;">3. Dallas Clark, Iowa (2000-02)</strong><br /><strong style="font-size: 13px;">Stats:</strong><span style="font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;77 rec., 1,251 yds, 8 TDs</span></p><p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">The walk-on began his career as a linebacker but quickly developed into a star at tight end. He earned All-Big Ten recognition as a sophomore and then became the nation&rsquo;s top tight end as a junior in 2002. The John Mackey Award winner caught 43 passes for 742 yards and four touchdowns while helping Iowa (11-2) to a Big Ten co-championship and Orange Bowl berth. The dynamic in-state talent was a first-round pick and proved in the NFL that his college career was no fluke.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>4. Heath Miller, Virginia (2002-04)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 144 rec., 1,703 yds, 20 TDs</p><p>Perhaps the greatest tight end in ACC history, Miller became the first player in league history to win the John Mackey Award in 2004. He wrote his name into the school and conference record books for receiving by a tight end, setting a new benchmark in all three major receiving categories despite only playing three seasons. However, it wasn&rsquo;t just his elite receiving ability that made the 6-foot-5, 255-pounder one of the game&rsquo;s best. Miller relished the blocking side of the game and his physicality and dependability is what has made the consensus All-American one of the NFL&rsquo;s best tight ends for the last decade.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>5. Marcedes Lewis, UCLA (2002-05)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 126 rec., 1,571 yds, 21 TDs</p><p>The red-zone touchdown machine improved his production each of his four seasons at UCLA, culminating with All-American and John Mackey honors as a senior in 2005. He set school records in all three major categories for a tight end that year and helped UCLA to its best record (10-2) since 1998. The 6-foot-6, 260-pound consensus All-American was a matchup nightmare for defenses and was the Pac-10&rsquo;s best player at his position during the BCS era in a league known for its great tight ends.</p><p><strong style="line-height: 20px; font-size: 16px;">6. Jeremy Shockey, Miami (2000-01)</strong><br /><strong style="font-size: 13px;">Stats:</strong><span style="font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;61 rec., 815 yds, 10 TDs</span></p><p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder was one of the most physically gifted players to ever play the position. He didn&rsquo;t have the huge stats of other elite players but he was an All-American and helped Miami win the national title in 2001. He was one of three finalists for the Mackey Award before leaving school early to become a first-round NFL Draft pick.</p><p><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/17441-1/DennisPitta.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 392px; float: right; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 3px;" /><span style="font-size:16px;">7. Dennis Pitta, BYU (2004, &#39;07-09)</span></strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 221 rec., 2,901 yds, 21 TDs</p><p>Few tight ends during the BCS era combine the statistical production, team success and overall NFL talent that Pitta did. He began his career as a freshman in 2004 before taking his Mormon mission and returning in 2007. His teams went 32-7 during his three-year starting career and few tight ends in the history of the sport have topped 200 catches, nearly 3,000 yards or 20 touchdowns &mdash; much less all three. He owns nearly every major receiving record at BYU for tight ends and is BYU&rsquo;s all-time leading receiver with 221 receptions regardless of position. His 2,901 career receiving yards are an NCAA record for tight ends.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>8. Travis Beckum, Wisconsin (2005-08)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 159 rec., 2,149 yds, 11 TDs</p><p>From a speed and agility standpoint, the 6-foot-3, 240-pound pass-catcher has few peers. One of the fastest and most dynamic tight ends in BCS history, Beckum switched to tight end as a sophomore and became a second-team All-American in just his first season playing the position. He posted back-to-back 900-yard seasons and saved his best games for the biggest competition (9 rec., 140 yds vs. Ohio State, 10 rec., 132 vs. Michigan State, for example). He was poised to set NCAA records for a tight end until a broken leg in Week 6 ended his college career. At a school known for elite All-American tight ends, Beckum was the most explosive, most talented and most productive.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>9. D.J. Williams, Arkansas (2007-10)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 152 rec., 1,855 yds, 10 TDs</p><p>The star Razorback never had an 800-yard season, never caught more than 61 passes and never scored more than four times in a year, but Williams is one of the BCS&rsquo;s best. His career numbers are excellent and he was extremely dependable for three full seasons for the Hogs. His career culminated in a John Mackey Award in 2010 and helped lead Arkansas to 10 wins and a Sugar Bowl berth.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>10. James Casey, Rice (2007-08)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 157 rec., 1,914 yds, 17 TDs, 362 rush, 11 TDs, 2 TD passes</p><p>Affectionately known as &ldquo;Thor,&rdquo; no other tight end during the BCS era was as versatile and productive in two seasons as Casey. He didn&rsquo;t face elite competition, obviously, but no tight end has ever put together a season like Thor did in 2008: 111 rec., 1,329 yards, 13 TDs, 241 yards rushing, 6 TDs, 14 punt returns for 112 yards and even two touchdown passes. He was the No. 1 overall college fantasy player in 2008 regardless of position (yes, that includes quarterbacks) and it has to be considered the best season for a tight end in NCAA history.</p><p><em>Just missed the cut:</em></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>11. Kellen Winslow, Miami (2001-03)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 119 rec., 1,365 yds, 9 TDs</p><p>Bizarre post-game interviews aside, Winslow was a monster on the field at Miami. He played a small role on the national championship team in 2001 and was a huge force &mdash; 57 rec., 726 yds, 8 TD &mdash; on the &#39;02 team that was defeated by Ohio State in the title game. He was a consensus All-American and John Mackey Award winner despite just one touchdown catch in 2003.</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>12. Martin Rucker, Missouri (2004-07)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 203 rec., 2,175 yds, 18 TDs</p><p>The complementary piece to Coffman at Mizzou was Rucker, a star from St. Joseph&rsquo;s (Mo.) Benton. Playing three years with Coffman, Rucker is one of the just five tight ends on this list who topped 200 receptions and one of just 10 names on this list with 2,000 yards. He was a consensus All-American and senior leader for a 12-2 Tigers team that finished fourth in the AP poll.</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>13. Jason Witten, Tennessee (2000-02)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 68 rec., 797 yds, 7 TDs</p><p>The numbers were never huge, but Witten is clearly one of the greatest tight ends to ever play the sport. He never missed a game during his three-year career at Tennessee and helped the Vols to a 27-11 record and an SEC East championship. From a dual-threat (blocking and receiving) perspective, Witten might be the best tight end to play the game during the BCS era.</p><p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><strong style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/40306-1/ASJ300.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 392px; float: right; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 4px;" />14. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington (2011-13)</strong><br /><strong style="font-size: 13px;">Stats:</strong>&nbsp;146 rec., 1,840 yds, 21 TDs</p><p style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">There is some projecting with ASJ, but he has already broken most school tight end records and will make a push this fall for the John Mackey Award. He was the No. 1 TE recruit in the nation two years ago and is poised for one of the greatest careers in Huskies history.</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><span style="font-size:14px;">15. Ron Gronkowski, Arizona (2007-08</span>)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 75 rec., 1,197 yds, 16 TDs</p><p>The Gronk played just 20 career college games but was a touchdown machine in college well before setting NFL tight end touchdown records. Unfortunately, the &#39;Zona tight end missed all of the 2009 season after preseason back surgery after being named a preseason first-team All-American and the Mackey Award frontrunner.</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>16. Fred Davis, USC (2004-07)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats: </strong>117 rec., 1,408 yds, 13 TDs</p><p>It took some time for Davis to develop, especially considering the wide receiver talent asking for the football at USC during his career. But when he made his mark as a senior in 2007 it was as the best tight end in the nation. He won the John Mackey Award that year and was an All-American. He played in two national title games, winning one as a freshman in 2004.</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>17. Zach Miller, Arizona State (2004-06)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 144 rec., 1,512 yds, 14 TDs</p><p>Miller gets a slight nod over fellow Sun Devil Todd Heap due to slightly better production and All-American recognition. He is the school&rsquo;s all-time leading receiver at the tight end position and consistently made big plays for his offense. He was one of three Mackey finalists in 2006.</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>18. Todd Heap, Arizona State (1998-2000)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats: </strong>112 rec., 1,658 yds, 10 TDs</p><p>Arguing between Miller and Heap is futile. Both were great players and Heap&rsquo;s NFL career proved his school records were legitimate. The &ldquo;Golden Retriever&rdquo; was a two-time All-Pac-10 performer who was as dependable as any player at his position.</p><p><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>19. Dwayne Allen, Clemson (2009-11)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong> 93 rec., 1,079 yds, 12 TDs</p><p>A consensus All-American, Allen was one of the most clutch performers in the game during his time at Clemson. When the Tigers needed a big play on third down or in the red zone, Allen was the go-to target. He claimed the Mackey Award as a junior, was an All-American and helped Clemson win its first ACC title in two decades in 2010.</p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>20. Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame (2008-10)</strong></span><br /><strong>Stats:</strong>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">90 rec., 1,032 yds, 8 TDs</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px;">He missed some time as a sophomore and junior but when he was on the field, he was virtually uncoverable. He was also the first true freshman tight end to start every game as a true freshman. Rudolph went on to be a second round NFL Draft pick in 2011.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;">21. Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame (2010-12)*<br />22. Daniel Graham, Colorado (1998-2001)<br />23. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota (2003-06)<br />24. Vernon Davis, Maryland (2003-05)<br />25. Tim Stratton, Purdue (1998-2001)<br />26. Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State (2005-08)<br />27. Dustin Keller, Purdue (2004-07)<br />28. Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin (2008-10)<br />29. Garrett Graham, Wisconsin (2007-09)</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">30. Ladarius Green, UL-Lafayette (2008-11)</span></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-48 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/acc">ACC</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/big-12">Big 12</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/big-ten">Big Ten</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/independents">Independents</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/mountain-west">Mountain West</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/pac-12-0">Pac 12</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/sec">SEC</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/big-east">Big East</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/wac">WAC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-49 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama Crimson Tide</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/florida-state-seminoles">Florida State Seminoles</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/georgia-tech-yellow-jackets">Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/lsu-tigers">LSU Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/michigan-state-spartans">Michigan State Spartans</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/michigan-wolverines">Michigan Wolverines</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/oklahoma-state-cowboys">Oklahoma State Cowboys</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/pittsburgh-panthers">Pittsburgh Panthers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/texas-tech-red-raiders">Texas Tech Red Raiders</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/wisconsin-badgers">Wisconsin Badgers</a></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-must-read-links field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Must Read Links:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"><div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-must-read-links clearfix" class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-must-read-links">
<div class="content">
<div class="field field-name-field-exclude-unless-partner field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Exclude Unless Partner:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div> </div>
</div>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-exclude-from-feeds field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Exclude From Games:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Include In Games</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-previous-article field-type-entityreference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Previous Article:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Top 10 Defensive Backs of the BCS Era</div></div></div>Thu, 08 May 2014 11:15:00 +0000Braden Gall65529 at http://athlonsports.comUnit Rankings: 2013 SEC Wide Receivershttp://athlonsports.com/college-football/unit-rankings-2013-sec-wide-receivers
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Unit Rankings: 2013 SEC Wide Receivers&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
<img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/39523-1/AmariCooper300.jpg" style="width: 230px; height: 300px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />The SEC is very top-heavy when it comes to receivers in 2013. Leading the way is a cast of potential All-Americans, including Alabama’s Amari Cooper, Vanderbilt’s Jordan Matthews, Ole Miss’ Donte Moncrief and Texas A&amp;M’s Mike Evans. But Georgia’s Malcolm Mitchell and LSU’s Odell Beckham Jr. aren’t far behind.</p>
<p>
Just like the individual players, the SEC is relatively top-heavy when it comes to ranking the individual groups for 2013. Alabama ranks as Athlon’s No. 1 receiving corps in the SEC for 2013, with Georgia checking in at No. 2.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Kickoff for the 2013 <strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football" target="_blank">college football</a></strong> season is still two months away, but it's never too early to project how the year might play out. Athlon will be taking a look at how each position stacks up in the BCS conferences and nationally until the start of the season.</p>
<p>
<em>Each unit ranking was evaluated based upon how it will perform in 2013 - not how it played in 2012.</em></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Ranking the SEC WR/TE Corps for 2013</strong></span></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>1. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/alabama-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Alabama</a></strong></span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/alabama-crimson-tide.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Thanks to coach Nick Saban’s relentless work on the recruiting trail, the Crimson Tide’s 2013 receiving corps could be the best of his tenure in Tuscaloosa. Amari Cooper had a standout freshman season last year, catching 59 passes for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. Cooper came on strong at the end of 2012, finishing the year with four 100-yard games over the final five contests. Cooper is an Athlon Sports second-team All-American for 2013. Quarterback AJ McCarron won’t have to look Cooper’s way all of the time, as seniors Kevin Norwood and Kenny Bell are reliable options, and redshirt freshman Chris Black is due for a breakout year. Adding depth will be DeAndrew White and incoming true freshmen Raheem Falkins and Robert Foster. True freshman OJ Howard could push Brian Vogler to start at tight end.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>2. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/georgia-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Georgia</a></strong></span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/georgia-bulldogs.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Despite the departure of Tavarres King and Marlon Brown, the Bulldogs shouldn’t be concerned about their receiving corps. After spending part of last season at cornerback, junior Malcolm Mitchell will spend all of 2013 at receiver. Mitchell caught 40 passes for 572 yards and four scores last year, including nine for 103 yards in a 29-24 win over Kentucky. Michael Bennett caught 24 passes through the first five games but suffered a torn ACL in early October. Mitchell and Bennett should form one of the SEC’s top receiving duos in 2013. Senior Rantavious Wooten, junior Chris Conley and sophomore Justin Scott-Wesley will round out the top five receiver spots, but freshman Tramel Terry and junior college recruit Jonathon Rumph will push for time. Tight end Arthur Lynch averaged 18 yards per reception in 2012 and is an Athlon Sports second-team All-American for 2013.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>3. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/vanderbilt-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Vanderbilt</a></strong></span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/vanderbilt-commodores.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />The Commodores aren’t particularly flush with depth at receiver, but it’s hard to find a better one-two combination in the SEC. Jordan Matthews turned down a chance to enter the NFL for one more year at Vanderbilt. The senior enters 2013 with 150 career receptions, 2,282 yards and 17 touchdowns. Matthews led all SEC receivers with 94 catches in 2012. Chris Boyd is back after catching 50 passes for 774 yards and five scores last year. And Jonathan Krause is slated to fill the No. 3 role after recording nine receptions in 2012. Freshmen Jordan Cunningham and Carlos Burse will provide depth. Junior college transfer Brandon Vandenburg could push Kris Kentera and Steven Scheu for the starting nod at tight end.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>4. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/lsu-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">LSU</a></strong></span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/lsu-tigers.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />With the defense returning only three starters, LSU’s offense may have to carry this team in the early going. Quarterback Zach Mettenberger returns, and the receiving corps brings back four receivers with at least 18 catches last year. Jarvis Landry led the team with 56 receptions in 2012, but Odell Beckham was the unit’s top playmaker, averaging 16.6 yards per catch. Seniors Kadron Boone and James Wright combined for 44 catches in 2012 and will anchor the No. 3 and No. 4 spots in the receiving corps. However, true freshman Avery Peterson and junior college recruit Quantavius Leslie will push for snaps. LSU could feature the tight end more under new coordinator Cam Cameron, and junior college recruit Logan Stokes could step into the starting role over sophomore Dillon Gordon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>5. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/ole-miss-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Ole Miss</a></strong></span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/mississippi-rebels.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Feed Moncrief became the mantra for the Ole Miss offense last season, which showed marked improvement from the 2011 squad. Sophomore Donte Moncrief emerged as one of the SEC’s top receivers last year, nabbing 66 receptions for 979 yards and 10 touchdowns. He finished 2012 on a tear, catching at least six passes in five out of the last six contests, which included back-to-back 100-yard performances against LSU and Mississippi State. Junior Vince Sanders and senior Ja-Mes Logan combined for 82 receptions last season and will flank Moncrief as the No. 2 and No. 3 options. The receiving corps got deeper over the offseason, as freshman Laquon Treadwell could earn some playing time this fall too. Treadwell ranked as the No. 1 receiver in the nation by Rivals.com in the 2013 signing class. Freshman A.J. Jackson may start over senior Jack Nuismer at tight end in 2013.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>6. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/texas-am-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Texas A&amp;M</a></strong></span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/texas-a-m-aggies.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Mike Evans broke onto the scene as a redshirt freshman last year, catching 82 passes for 1,105 yards and five scores. The Texas native caught at least four passes in every game in 2012 and is a second-team All-SEC selection by Athlon Sports for 2013. Having Evans back in the lineup is huge for Texas A&amp;M, especially since Ryan Swope and Uzoma Nwachukwu have expired their eligibility. Swope is the biggest loss for the receiving corps, as he made several tough catches in key moments throughout his career. But the cupboard is far from bare for coach Kevin Sumlin. Juniors LeKendrick Williams and Malcome Kennedy and senior Derel Walker provide quarterback Johnny Manziel with plenty of experience in the receiving corps. However, freshmen Ja’Quay Williams and Ricky Seals-Jones will be two players to watch this fall. The wild card at tight end to watch is former Tennessee Volunteer Cameron Clear, who spent last season at Arizona Western College.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>7. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/missouri-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Missouri</a></strong></span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/missouri-tigers.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Much of Missouri’s ranking in this article hinges on the development of sophomore Dorial Green-Beckham. The No. 1 overall prospect in the 2012 Athlon Consensus 100, Green-Beckham caught 28 passes for 395 yards last season, with four of his five touchdowns coming over the final three games. With quarterback James Franklin a year removed from his shoulder surgery, Green-Beckham should be poised to easily outperform his 2012 totals. T.J. Moe will be missed, but Missouri has seniors Marcus Lucas and L’Damian Washington slated to anchor the other two starting spots in the receiving corps. Lucas led the team with 46 receptions for 509 yards last year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>8. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/south-carolina-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">South Carolina</a></strong></span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/south-carolina-gamecocks.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />The Gamecocks will miss the playmaking ability of Ace Sanders, but the unit has some steady weapons to lean on, including Bruce Ellington. The junior caught 40 passes for 600 yards and seven scores last year, including the game-winning 32-yard pass from Dylan Thompson in the Outback Bowl. But Ellington needs help if the Gamecocks are to reach the SEC championship game. Junior Damiere Byrd and sophomore Shaq Roland will be charged with taking a bigger role in the passing game this year. Junior Nick Jones and sophomore Shamier Jeffery are also expected to see more targets this year. Junior Rory Anderson and sophomore Jerell Adams will battle to replace Justice Cunningham as the team’s top tight end.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>9. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/florida-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Florida</a></strong></span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/florida-gators.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Considering the receivers that came through Gainesville in the 1990s under Steve Spurrier and the success of Percy Harvin under Urban Meyer, it’s a surprise to see the Gators struggle to develop a No. 1 option over the last few seasons. No Florida wide receiver has caught more than 40 passes since 2009, and the cupboard is relatively bare entering 2013. Quinton Dunbar is the team’s top returning receiver, but he averaged only 10.6 yards per catch last year. Andre Debose is still looking for his breakout season in his final year on campus. And the coaching staff hopes sophomore Latroy Pittman or true freshman Demarcus Robinson can give quarterback Jeff Driskel a go-to weapon on the outside. If the receiving corps struggles once again, cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy may be spending a good chunk of snaps on offense too.<br />
<br />
<strong> <span style="font-size:16px;">10. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/arkansas-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Arkansas</a></span></strong><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/arkansas-razorbacks.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Cobi Hamilton has expired his eligibility after capping off a solid career in the SEC with 90 receptions for 1,335 yards and five scores last year. With Hamilton gone, the Razorbacks will be looking for a new go-to target. Sophomore Mekale McKay showed promise by averaging 15.1 yards per reception in 2012. But McKay should have plenty of help from seniors Julian Horton, Demetrius Wilson and Javontee Herndon. Sophomore Keon Hatcher and true freshman tight end Hunter Henry are two names to watch this fall.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>11. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/auburn-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Auburn</a></strong></span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/auburn-tigers.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />There’s potential surrounding this group, but Auburn must settle its quarterback situation for this offense to improve from a disappointing 2012 season. But with Gus Malzahn returning to call the plays, the Tigers should have one of the most-improved offenses in the SEC. Quan Bray is the team’s top returning receiver with just 14 receptions, but the unit has interesting options in juniors Trovon Reed and Jaylon Denson, along with sophomore Ricardo Louis. Tight end C.J. Uzomah should surpass his 2012 totals: seven receptions for 136 yards and one score.</p>
<p>
<br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Related Content: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-10-most-improved-teams-2013" target="_blank">College Football's Most-Improved Teams for 2013</a></strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>12. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/tennessee-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Tennessee</a></strong></span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/tennessee-volunteers.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />With quarterback Tyler Bray and receivers Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson departing for the NFL, the Volunteers are essentially starting over in the passing attack. New coach Butch Jones has one of the best offensive lines in the nation to build around, but Tennessee’s offense will be a work in progress. Devrin Young, Jacob Carter, Vincent Dallas and Pig Howard are the unit’s most experienced players, but none have played in a No. 1 or No. 2 role. True freshmen MarQuez North and Paul Harris, along with redshirt freshman Jason Croom are promising options and could be Tennessee’s starting trio by the end of 2013.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>13. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/mississippi-state-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Mississippi State</a></strong></span><img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/mississippi-state-bulldogs.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " /><br />
Much like Tennessee, the Bulldogs are essentially starting over at receiver. The top four pass-catchers from last year are gone, including Chad Bumphis and tight end Marcus Green. Junior Jameon Lewis will assume a bigger role in the passing attack after catching 10 passes last year. The 5-foot-9 receiver has excellent speed and 17 receptions through his first two years on campus. Junior Robert Johnson and sophomore Joe Morrow will likely round out the starting trio, but junior college recruit Jeremey Chappelle caught eight passes for 114 yards and one score in the Spring Game and should be a key part of the Mississippi State receiving corps this season.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>14. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/kentucky-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Kentucky</a></strong></span><br />
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/kentucky-wildcats.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />New coordinator Neal Brown wants to implement a pass-first offense, but Kentucky is thin on proven weapons in the receiving corps. La’Rod King led the team with 48 catches last season but expired his eligibility at the end of 2012. Junior Demarco Robinson and sophomores A.J. Legree and Daryl Collins appear to have the inside track for starting spots, especially after DeMarcus Sweat left the team in June. Expect the Wildcats to give an extended look to freshmen Jeff Badet and Ryan Timmons, along with junior college recruit Javess Blue this fall.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Related College Football Content</strong></span></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/sec-football-2013-predictions" target="_blank">SEC 2013 All-Conference Team</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/sec-football-2013-predictions" target="_blank"><br />
SEC Predictions for 2013</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25" target="_blank"><br />
College Football's Top 25 Teams for 2013</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-2013-preseason-rankings-26-40" target="_blank"><br />
College Football Team Rankings for 2013: No. 26-40</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-2013-preseason-rankings-41-60" target="_blank"><br />
College Football Team Rankings for 2013: No. 41-60</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-2013-preseason-rankings-61-80" target="_blank"><br />
College Fooball Team Rankings for 2013: No. 61-80</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-2013-preseason-rankings-81-100" target="_blank"><br />
College Football Team Rankings for 2013: No. 81-100</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-2013-preseason-rankings-101-125" target="_blank"><br />
College Football Team Rankings for 2013: No. 101-125</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-50-quarterbacks-bcs-era" target="_blank"><br />
College Football's Top 50 Quarterbacks of the BCS Era</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-50-running-backs-bcs-era" target="_blank"><br />
College Football's Top 50 Running Backs of BCS Era</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-50-wide-receivers-bcs-era" target="_blank"><br />
College Football's Top 50 Wide Receivers of BCS Era</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-30-tight-ends-bcs-era" target="_blank"><br />
College Football's Top 30 Tight Ends of the BCS Era</a></strong></span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-48 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/sec">SEC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-49 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama Crimson Tide</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/arkansas-razorbacks">Arkansas Razorbacks</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/auburn-tigers">Auburn Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/georgia-bulldogs">Georgia Bulldogs</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/lsu-tigers">LSU Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/mississippi-state-bulldogs">Mississippi State Bulldogs</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/ole-miss-rebels">Ole Miss Rebels</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/south-carolina-gamecocks">South Carolina Gamecocks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/tennessee-volunteers">Tennessee Volunteers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/texas-am-aggies">Texas A&amp;M Aggies</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/vanderbilt-commodores">Vanderbilt Commodores</a></div></div></div>Thu, 20 Jun 2013 14:23:35 +0000Steven Lassan22760 at http://athlonsports.comRanking the SEC's College Football Stadiumshttp://athlonsports.com/college-football/ranking-secs-college-football-stadiums
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Ranking the SEC&#039;s Football Stadiums&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>Fall Saturdays are special. Especially, in the South.</p><p>Small towns, huge crowds, tailgating, bands, cheerleaders and student sections are just a few of the reasons college football is the best sport on the planet. When campuses jump to life across the nation each weekend in the fall, college stadiums become a staging ground for history.</p><p>There are a variety of ways to evaluate the greatness of a stadium. Huge attendance numbers, home-field advantage in the win-loss column, ear-piercing decibels, rich traditions, picturesque landscapes and amenities are just a few of the aspects that must be considered to rank so many great college football cathedrals.</p><p>And there is no better collection of home stadiums than in the nation&#39;s best conference, so keep in mind that ranking this league&#39;s stadiums functions like recruiting rankings. Meaning, Arkansas may be seventh in the SEC but top 20 nationally.</p><p>With that in mind, here&#39;s how the stadiums in the SEC stack up.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/39073-1/TigerStadium332.jpg" style="width: 650px; height: 484px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 3px;" /></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>1. Tiger Stadium, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/lsu-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">LSU</a></strong></span><br /><strong>Opened:</strong> 1924<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong> 92,542<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong> 92,626 (7th nationally)</p><p>Be it the vast and unique tailgating menu or Richter Scale-inducing fans, few places in the nation can send chills down your spine like a game at Tiger Stadium. As one of the loudest and most rabid atmospheres in the nation, LSU boasts one of the most daunting home-field advantages in college football &mdash; especially at night. Les Miles has three perfect home seasons and is 50-7 in Death Valley overall during his eight seasons as head coach. A $70 million renovation is underway to push Tiger Stadium&rsquo;s capacity to 100,000, only furthering this hallowed ground reputation as one of the nation&rsquo;s top venues. And, honestly, how many venues have a real live Bengal Tiger roaming the sidelines?</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>2. Sanford Stadium, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/georgia-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Georgia</a></strong></span><br /><strong>Opened:</strong> 1929<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong> 92,746<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong> 92,703 (6th)</p><p>It may not be the SEC&rsquo;s biggest or loudest stadium but it is the most beautiful. Named for late former university president Dr. Stedman Vincent Sanford, the Bulldogs&#39; home stadium is located in the heart of the plush greenery of the gorgeous Athens campus. The famed privet hedges line the field and separate the Georgia fans and the action on the field with style that matches the dolled-up student section. Sanford&rsquo;s Southwest corner is also home to a canine marble mausoleum in which the first eight generations of Bulldog mascots have been laid to rest. Uga IX currently resides in a permanent on-field, air-conditioned doghouse near the cheerleaders&rsquo; platform on Saturdays. Mark Richt is 63-13 &ldquo;Between the Hedges&rdquo; and has his team poised for another perfect home slate in 2013.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/14153-1/Neyland1.jpg" style="width: 650px; height: 434px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 3px;" /></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>3. Neyland Stadium, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/tennessee-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Tennessee</a></strong></span><br /><strong>Opened: </strong>1921<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong> 102,455<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong> 89,965 (8th)</p><p>Named for former head coach General Robert Reese Neyland, the biggest venue in the SEC has, at one time or another, been the biggest college football stadium in the nation. Recent renovations have transformed the once dilapidated exterior into a brick Big Orange cathedral. Towering over the winding Tennessee River and subsequent Vol Navy, Neyland&rsquo;s double-deck, totally enclosed seating makes it one of the loudest places to watch a game in the nation. A recent run of horrendous win-loss records have impacted attendance in a big way, as thousands of empty upper deck seats have taken away from the once daunting home-field advantage. But the Pride of the Southland Marching band still form the famed Power-T before every game, and, when this program is surging, few places in the nation can match the pageantry and passion of Neyland Stadium.</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>4. Kyle Field, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/texas-am-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Texas A&amp;M</a></strong></span><br /><strong>Opened:</strong> 1904<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong> 82,589<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong> 87,014 (11th)</p><p>If things progress the way Texas A&amp;M faithful believe, Kyle Field is poised to become arguably the best football stadium in the SEC. Once the $450 million renovation is completed prior to the 2015 season, the Aggies&#39; home stadium will be the largest in the SEC (102,500). That said, the home of the 12th Man is no joke today as it stands. Three towering decks of screaming fans urge their team on through choreographed cheering and rich traditions. And fall Saturdays actually begin the night before with Midnight Yell Practice in which thousands of Aggies fill the seats at Kyle to warm up their windpipes for the following day of action. The surrounding campus offers little in the way of sightseeing and the win-loss home record from 2000-12 leaves much to be desired (56-30). Once enclosed and with Kevin Sumlin still patrolling the sidelines, that number is sure to improve. Despite having hosted only half-a-dozen SEC games, Kyle Field is currently the oldest venue in the conference and averaged one of the highest attendance percentiles in the nation (105.3% capacity) a year ago.</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>5. Bryant-Denny Stadium, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/alabama-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Alabama</a></strong></span><br /><strong>Opened:</strong> 1929<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong> 101,821<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong> 101,722 (3rd)</p><p>Legendary head coach Bear Bryant and former university president George Denny team up to name one of college football&rsquo;s most intimidating home venues. Alabama is 224-52-3 since opening the building in 1929 and Nick Saban is 29-6 at home during his tenure. In front of the most dedicated fans in the nation, the Crimson Tide routinely bring opponents to their knees with ear-shattering support and one appropriately named visitor&rsquo;s locker room (&ldquo;The Fail Room&rdquo; after donor James Fail). A round of various multi-million dollar expansions completed in 2010 have made this football palace the No. 2 largest stadium in the SEC and one of the most luxurious places to watch a game.</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/6969-2/FloridaCheer.jpg" style="width: 270px; height: 349px; float: right; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 3px;" />6. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/florida-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Florida</a></strong></span><br /><strong>Opened:</strong> 1930<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong> 88,548<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong> 87,587 (10th)</p><p>Coined by Steve Spurrier in the early 1990s, no stadium in the nation has a better nickname than &ldquo;The Swamp.&rdquo; And when the Gators are rolling, few places in the nation are as intimidating as a hot and humid Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Unique sightlines and design subtleties give BHGS plenty of character and gives the team a huge home-field advantage. From 1990 to 2009, the Gators had the best home field record in the nation at 113-13. When it comes to noise and success, The Swamp is among the game&rsquo;s most preeminent locations to watch a game.<br /><br /><strong style="font-size: 18px;">7. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/arkansas-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Arkansas</a></strong><br /><strong>Opened:</strong>&nbsp;1938<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong>&nbsp;72,000<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong>&nbsp;68,046 (23rd)</p><p>One of the most underrated home atmospheres lies just a few miles north of the Ozarks in Northwest Arkansas. After massive renovations in 2001, &ldquo;DWRRS&rdquo; grew to accommodate some of the most dedicated fans in the nation. The nation&rsquo;s second largest video board (167 feet wide) was added just last year to the North end zone and additional planned renovations will push this stadium to 80,000 seats in the very near future. Arkansas&rsquo; all-time record at their home stadium is a solid but uninspiring 166-81-2 and the trademark &ldquo;Woo Pig Sooie&rdquo; chant can be heard echoing across campus during each home game in the fall.<br /><br /><strong style="font-size: 18px;">8. Jordan-Hare Stadium,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/auburn-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Auburn</a></strong><br /><strong>Opened:</strong>&nbsp;1939<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong>&nbsp;87,451<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong>&nbsp;82,646 (14th)</p><p>The Tigers&#39; football stadium is named after Shug Jordan, the winningest coach in school history, and Cliff Hare, a member of Auburn&rsquo;s first-ever football team and former president of the Southern Conference. Beautiful and historic murals on the east-side exterior as well as freshly planted &ldquo;War Eagle&rdquo; flowers in the end zone give this venue plenty of character. And when &ldquo;Nova&rdquo; (War Eagle VII), the team&rsquo;s live golden eagle mascot, flies into the friendly confines, the Auburn faithful explode into a pre-game frenzy. It takes a special fan base and venue to attract over 82,000 fans to watch a team that didn&#39;t win a single SEC game a year ago.</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>9. Williams-Brice Stadium, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/south-carolina-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">South Carolina</a></strong></span><br /><strong>Opened: </strong>1934<br /><strong>Capacity: </strong>80,250<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong> 80,001 (18th)</p><p>Recent upgrades to the tailgating areas and stadium itself have elevated Williams-Brice into the upper echelon of SEC venues. &ldquo;The Cock Pit&rdquo; has signature lighting high above the upper deck on either side of the field as the school continues to break attendance records &mdash; 85,199 in 2012 against Georgia. Each home game begins with the playing of the theme from &quot;2001: A Space Odyssey,&quot; giving South Carolina one of the best pre-game reputations in the nation. Formerly known as Carolina Stadium, the name was changed in 1972 to Williams-Brice after university benefactor Martha Williams-Brice. Steve Spurrier has built WBS into one of the impossible places to win, posting a 25-3 mark at home over the last four seasons.</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/7996920600_154a749c62_z.jpg" style="width: 290px; height: 193px; float: right; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 3px;" />10. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/ole-miss-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Ole Miss</a></strong></span><br /><strong>Opened:</strong> 1915<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong> 60,580<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong> 57,066 (30th)</p><p>Can Ole Miss figure out a way to move The Grove inside Vaught-Hemingway? The world&rsquo;s greatest pre-game tailgate takes place just a few yards away from the comparably small, but no less enjoyable, stadium. So while the third-oldest venue in the SEC hasn&rsquo;t been all that daunting to opposing teams over the years, it does house what may be the most beautiful fan base in the nation. Everyone should attend at least one tailgate in Oxford, Miss.<br /><br /><strong style="font-size: 18px;">11. Davis Wade Stadium, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/mississippi-state-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Mississippi State</a></strong><br /><strong>Opened: </strong>1914<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong>&nbsp;55,082<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong>&nbsp;55,628 (35th)</p><p>The Bulldogs averaged more than 100-percent attendance a year ago and this is one of the reasons why Mississippi State has planned yet another expansion to Davis Wade Stadium. The $75 million work will take two years and will be completed before the 2014 season and will push capacity to 61,337 seats. The North end zone will be sealed off and a high-definition video board will be installed. Opposing fans and teams have grown to despise playing in front of the piercing collection of cowbells.</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>12. Memorial Stadium, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/missouri-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Missouri</a></strong></span><br /><strong>Opened: </strong>1927<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong> 71,009<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong> 67,476 (24th)</p><p>Missouri is doing everything it can to make its atmosphere and gameday experience match its big-time SEC rivals. In 2013, Mizzou faithful will be greeted with a brand new luxury suite tower to the West and tweaks to the historic north hill beyond the end zone. The famous rock &ldquo;M&rdquo; emblazoned hill was moved closer to the field to get fans closer to the action and create more concourse space. Additionally, a new project to build east-side suits and towers will expand the capacity to 77,000 over the next two years.</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>13. Commonwealth Stadium, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/kentucky-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Kentucky</a></strong></span><br /><strong>Opened:</strong> 1973<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong> 67,692<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong> 49,691 (41st)</p><p>From a percentage standpoint, the Wildcats posted the worst 2012 home attendance in the SEC. However, that had more to do with the poor play of the team than anything else. When this team is good, Big Blue Nation is as loud and passionate as any stadium with less than 70,000 seats in the nation. This venue has witnessed some historic moments &mdash; i.e., the Bluegrass Miracle &mdash; and Mark Stoops hopes his Spring Game attendance numbers (est. 50,381) are a preview of things to come this fall.</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>14. Vanderbilt Stadium, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/vanderbilt-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Vanderbilt</a></strong></span><br /><strong>Opened:</strong> 1922<br /><strong>Capacity:</strong> 40,350<br /><strong>2012 Attendance:</strong> 37,860 (62nd)</p><p>The new brick façade and back-to-back winning seasons have helped build up the Dores&#39; home atmosphere. However, the tiny alumni base and single-tiered stadium lacks the pageantry and passion of every other SEC venue. Vandy will always have a tough time selling out and competing in attendance numbers compared to the SEC&#39;s bluebloods. However, being located on beautiful West End with plenty to do within walking distance, there is still plenty to enjoy on gameday in Nashville. Of course, if James Franklin keeps winning nine games a season, all of this could change rapidly.</p><p><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>2013 SEC Team Previews</strong></span></p><table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 400px; "><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>East Division</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>West Division</strong></span></td></tr><tr><td><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/florida-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Florida</strong></span></a></td><td><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/alabama-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Alabama</strong></span></a></td></tr><tr><td><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/georgia-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Georgia</strong></span></a></td><td><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/arkansas-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Arkansas</strong></span></a></td></tr><tr><td><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/kentucky-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Kentucky</strong></span></a></td><td><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/auburn-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Auburn</strong></span></a></td></tr><tr><td><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/missouri-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Missouri</strong></span></a></td><td><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/lsu-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>LSU</strong></span></a></td></tr><tr><td><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/south-carolina-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>South Carolina</strong></span></a></td><td><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/mississippi-state-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Mississippi State</strong></span></a></td></tr><tr><td><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/tennessee-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Tennessee</strong></span></a></td><td><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/ole-miss-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Ole Miss</strong></span></a></td></tr><tr><td><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/vanderbilt-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Vanderbilt</strong></span></a></td><td><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/texas-am-2013-preview-predictions" target="_blank">Texas A&amp;M</a></strong></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Related College Football Content</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/sec-football-2013-all-conference-team" target="_blank">SEC All-Conference Team for 2013</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/sec-football-2013-predictions" target="_blank">SEC Predictions for 2013</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25" target="_blank">College Football&#39;s Top 25 Teams for 2013</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-2013-preseason-rankings-26-40" target="_blank">College Football Team Rankings for 2013: No. 26-40</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-2013-preseason-rankings-41-60" target="_blank">College Football Team Rankings for 2013: No. 41-60</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-2013-preseason-rankings-61-80" target="_blank">College Fooball Team Rankings for 2013: No. 61-80</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-2013-preseason-rankings-81-100" target="_blank">College Football Team Rankings for 2013: No. 81-100</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-2013-preseason-rankings-101-125" target="_blank">College Football Team Rankings for 2013: No. 101-125</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-50-quarterbacks-bcs-era" target="_blank">College Football&#39;s Top 50 Quarterbacks of the BCS Era</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-50-running-backs-bcs-era" target="_blank">College Football&#39;s Top 50 Running Backs of BCS Era</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-50-wide-receivers-bcs-era" target="_blank">College Football&#39;s Top 50 Wide Receivers of BCS Era</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-30-tight-ends-bcs-era" target="_blank">College Football&#39;s Top 30 Tight Ends of the BCS Era</a></strong></span></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-48 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/sec">SEC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-49 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama Crimson Tide</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/arkansas-razorbacks">Arkansas Razorbacks</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/auburn-tigers">Auburn Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/georgia-bulldogs">Georgia Bulldogs</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/lsu-tigers">LSU Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/mississippi-state-bulldogs">Mississippi State Bulldogs</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/ole-miss-rebels">Ole Miss Rebels</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/south-carolina-gamecocks">South Carolina Gamecocks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/tennessee-volunteers">Tennessee Volunteers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/texas-am-aggies">Texas A&amp;M Aggies</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/vanderbilt-commodores">Vanderbilt Commodores</a></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-must-read-links field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Must Read Links:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"><div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-must-read-links clearfix" class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-must-read-links">
<div class="content">
<div class="field field-name-field-exclude-unless-partner field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Exclude Unless Partner:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div> </div>
</div>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-exclude-from-feeds field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Exclude From Games:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Include In Games</div></div></div>Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0000Braden Gall22227 at http://athlonsports.com2013-14 College Basketball Conference Snapshot: SEChttp://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/2013-14-college-basketball-sec-early-rankings
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Who&#039;s gone and who&#039;s back in the SEC for 2013-14&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
<img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/35354-2/Calipari332.jpg" style="width: 332px; height: 276px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />In 2013-14, Kentucky will try to pull off a rare college basketball feat by going from national champion to NIT, then back to national champion. As our league-by-league snapshots continue into the SEC, we take a look at the teams who might make things difficult for the Wildcats next season.<br />
<br />
Florida should continue to be a challenger for Kentucky with a veteran team boosted by a handful of transfers and high-level freshmen. Beyond that, the question in the SEC is depth after another lackluster season. Unexpected departures during the offseason may make Tennessee and Alabama bubble teams again. And personnel losses at Ole Miss and Missouri mean a return to the Tournament is not guaranteed.<br />
<br />
The college basketball calendar is getting moved up with Midnight Madness shifting from mid-October into September. The look ahead to the 2013-14 season has also been moved up as Athlon starts to take stock for the upcoming year in college basketball.<br />
<br />
Here’s a quick look at the SEC and early rankings for 2013-14.<br />
<br />
<strong>Other conference snapshots:</strong><br />
<strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-basketball/2013-14-college-basketball-early-rankings-acc">ACC</a></strong><br />
<strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-basketball/2013-14-college-basketball-conference-american-early-rankings">American</a></strong><br />
<strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-basketball/2013-14-college-basketball-big-east-early-rankings">Big East</a></strong><br />
<strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-basketball/2013-14-college-basketball-big-ten-early-rankings">Big Ten</a></strong><br />
Big 12 (June 6)<br />
Pac-12 (June 11)<br />
Mountain West, A-10, MVC and others (June 13)</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>2013-14 CONFERENCE SNAPSHOT: SEC</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/kentucky-wildcats.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />1. KENTUCKY (21-12, 12-6, NIT first round)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone: </strong>Archie Goodwin, Julius Mays, Nerlens Noel<br />
<strong>Top returners: </strong>Willie Cauley-Stein, Alex Poythress, Kyle Wiltjer<br />
<strong>New faces: </strong>Aaron Harrison, Andrew Harrison, Dakari Johnson, Marcus Lee, Julius Randle, James Young (all freshmen)<br />
The Wildcats will be back in national title contention thanks to a recruiting class that includes six of the top 15 prospects in the 247Sports Composite Rankings. Kentucky missed out on consensus top prospect Andrew Wiggins and still finished <strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://247sports.com/Season/2013-Basketball/CompositeTeamRankings" target="_blank">with the nation’s top signing class</a></strong>. The Wildcats now have nine McDonald’s All-Americans on the roster. Even if last season went awry, John Calipari has proven he can win a title with freshmen of this caliber. The question, especially after last season, will be leadership and the contribution of the veterans.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Related: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-basketball/top-25-college-basketball-recruiting-classes-2000">Kentucky, Florida claim top recruiting classes since 2000</a></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/florida-gators.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />2. FLORIDA (29-8, 14-4, NCAA Elite Eight)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone:</strong> Kenny Boynton, Erik Murphy, Mike Rosario<br />
<strong>Top returners:</strong> Casey Prather, Scottie Wilbekin, Will Yeguette, Patric Young<br />
<strong>New faces:</strong> Dorian Finney-Smith (Virginia Tech transfer), Damontre Harris (South Carolina transfer), Kasey Hill (freshman), Chris Walker (freshman)<br />
Florida will look to get over the Elite Eight hump with one of the deepest teams in the league. Young and Wilbekin are back, and Yeguette expects to be healthy after offseason knee surgery. Much will depend on the newcomers. Hill is one of the top point guard recruits to come to Florida under Billy Donovan. Finney-Smith, a McDonald’s All-American in 2011, was one of the top freshmen in the ACC at Virginia Tech, averaging 6.3 points and seven rebounds. With Chris Walker, Florida will have one of the top front lines in the country. Guard Eli Carter transferred from Rutgers and could receive a waiver to play immediately after the player mistreatment scandal in Piscataway.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/tennessee-volunteers.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />3. TENNESSEE (20-13, 11-7, NIT first round)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone:</strong> Trae Golden, Kenny Hall, Skyler McBee<br />
<strong>Top returners: </strong>Jeronne Maymon, Jordan McRae, Josh Richardson, Jarnell Stokes<br />
<strong>New faces: </strong>Robert Hubbs, Darius Thompson (freshmen)<br />
Cuonzo Martin has to wonder what Tennessee would look like with a full roster. In his first season, Stokes wasn’t eligible until midseason. In his second, Maymon missed the entire season following knee surgery. Martin’s third season will start without his point guard Golden, <strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2013/05/08/trae-goldens-exit-doesnt-change-tennessees-expectations/2144575/" target="_blank">who abruptly left the program</a></strong>. Stokes is a rising star, and Maymon is healthy. But the point will be manned by a freshman in Thompson.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/alabama-crimson-tide.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />4. ALABAMA (23-13, 12-6, NIT quarterfinals)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone: </strong>Moussa Gueye, Trevor Lacey, Andrew Steele<br />
<strong>Top returners: </strong>Rodney Cooper, Nick Jacobs, Retin Obasohan, Devonta Pollard, Levi Randolph, Trevor Releford<br />
<strong>New faces: </strong>Jimmie Taylor, Shannon Hale (freshmen)<br />
With the core of last year’s team returning, Alabama hopes to reach the NCAA Tournament after finishing the past two seasons on the bubble. Five of the top six starters expect to return, but the only loss there will be a big one. Lacey, who averaged 11.3 points and 3.2 assists last season, surprised Anthony Grant with his intentions to transfer.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/lsu-tigers.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />5. LSU (19-12, 9-9)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone:</strong> Charles Carmouche<br />
<strong>Top returners: </strong>Shavon Coleman, Anthony Hickey, Malik Morgan, Johnny O’Bryant III, Andre Stringer<br />
<strong>New faces: </strong>Jarell Martin, Jordan Mickey, Tim Quarterman (all freshmen)<br />
LSU returns three players who averaged double figures in scoring last season with Carmouche the only notable departure. The Tigers add the <strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://247sports.com/Season/2013-Basketball/CompositeTeamRankings">nation's fifth-ranked signing class</a></strong>, led by forwards Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey. This could be a comeback season for LSU in Johnny Jones’ second year.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Related: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-basketball/grading-notable-new-college-basketball-coaches-2013-14">Grading the notable coaching hires for 2013-14</a></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/missouri-tigers.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />6. MISSOURI (23-11, 11-7, NCAA round of 64)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone:</strong> Keion Bell, Laurence Bowers, Alex Oriakhi, Phil Pressey, Negus Webster-Chan<br />
<strong>Top returners: </strong>Jabari Brown, Tony Criswell, Stefan Jankovic, Earnest Ross<br />
<strong>New faces: </strong>Wesley Clark (freshman), Jordan Clarkson (transfer from Tulsa), Johnathan Williams III (freshman)<br />
Pressey’s perhaps ill-advised jump to the NBA Draft leaves Missouri with just one starter returning in Jabari Brown. Clarkson, who averaged 16.5 points at Tulsa in 2011-12, adds to a glut of 6-5 guards with Brown and Earnest Ross. The Tigers will need role players Stefan Jankovic and Tony Criswall to step into bigger roles in the frontcourt.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/mississippi-rebels.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />7. OLE MISS (27-9, 12-6, NCAA round of 32)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone:</strong> Reginald Buckner, Murphy Holloway, Nick Williams<br />
<strong>Top returners:</strong> Marshall Henderson, Aaron Jones, Derrick Millinghaus, Jarvis Summers, LaDarius White<br />
Henderson’s return means the Rebels have a chance at reaching the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons for the first time in more than a decade. But Ole Miss lost a good chunk of the supporting cast (Buckner and Holloway). It’s going to take more than Henderson chucking 3-pointers for Ole Miss to duplicate 2012-13. Jarvis Summers (9.1 ppg) is the only other returning player who averaged more than 6.4 points per game.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/arkansas-razorbacks.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />8. ARKANSAS (19-13, 10-8)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone:</strong> Hunter Mickelson, Marshawn Powell, B.J. Young<br />
<strong>Top returners: </strong>Coty Clarke, Fred Gulley, Kikko Haydar, Rashad Madden, Michael Qualls, Rickey Scott, Madracus Wade<br />
<strong>New faces:</strong> Alandise Harris (transfer from Houston), Moses Kingsley (freshman), Bobby Portis (freshman)<br />
For a team that didn’t have a senior last season, Arkansas managed to lose a lot for 2013-14. Powell and Young declared for the NBA Draft, and Mickelson transferred to Kansas. Only two players -- Clarke and Wade -- averaged more than five points per game and 20 minutes.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/vanderbilt-commodores.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />9. VANDERBILT (16-17, 8-10)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone:</strong> Sheldon Jeter<br />
<strong>Top returners: </strong>Kevin Bright, Kyle Fuller, Josh Henderson, Kedren Johnson, Rod Odom, Dai-Jon Parker<br />
<strong>New faces: </strong>Damian Jones (freshman), Eric McClellan (transfer from Tulsa)<br />
A rebuilding year in 2012-13 means almost everyone returns for the Commodores, but Vanderbilt is still looking for go-to players. Hopes are high for McClellan, who averaged 8.5 points as a freshman at Tulsa.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Related: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-basketball/2013-14-college-basketball-big-ten-early-rankings">2013-14 Conference Snapshot: Big Ten</a></strong></span></p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/texas-a-m-aggies.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>10. TEXAS A&amp;M (18-15, 7-11)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone: </strong>Elston Turner, Ray Turner<br />
<strong>Top returners:</strong> Alex Caruso, Fabyon Harris, J-Mychal Reese, Kourtney Roberson, Andrew Young<br />
<strong>New faces:</strong> Antwan Space (transfer from Florida State)<br />
Elston Turner (17.5 ppg) and Ray Turner (9.2 ppg) will be tough to replace as the Aggies try to rebuild around Harris. Reese and Caruso were highly touted recruits who struggled as freshmen. Space was a top-100 recruit but seldom used in his only season at Florida State.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/georgia-bulldogs.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />11. GEORGIA (15-17, 9-9)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone:</strong> Sherrard Brantley, John Florveus, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Vincent Williams<br />
<strong>Top returners: </strong>Nemanja Djrisic, Kenny Gaines, Brandon Morris, Marcus Thornton, Donte Williams<br />
<strong>New faces:</strong> Cameron Forte (junior college transfer)<br />
Caldwell-Pope either led Georgia in scoring or tied for the team lead in all but three games last season. It’s going to be tough for Georgia to overcome that kind of loss, but the bulk of the roster will be sophomores and juniors. This could be a key year for Mark Fox.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/south-carolina-gamecocks.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />12. SOUTH CAROLINA (14-18, 4-14)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone: </strong>Lakeem Jackson, LaShay Page, Shane Phillips, Brian Richardson, R.J. Slawson, Eric Smith<br />
<strong>Top returners: </strong>Michael Carrera, Bruce Ellington, Mindaugas Kacinas, Brenton Williams<br />
<strong>New faces: </strong>Ty Johnson (transfer from Villanova), Demetrius Henry (freshman), Sindarius Thornwell (freshman)<br />
The rebuilding job at South Carolina is going to take a while. Not shockingly, the Gamecocks lost some depth due to transfers over the last two seasons. But Frank Martin also added a highly touted freshman guard in Sindarius Thornwell. Carolina will have to wait on Johnson to be eligible after the first semester and Ellington to join the team after football season. This is not a roster ready to be competitive in the SEC.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/auburn-tigers.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />13. AUBURN (9-23, 3-15)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone:</strong> Rob Chubb, Noel Johnson, Frankie Sullivan, Josh Wallace<br />
<strong>Top returners: </strong>Chris Denson, Ashauhn Dixon-Tatum, Shaquille Johnson, Allen Payne, Jordan Price<br />
<strong>New faces:</strong> KT Harrell (transfer from Virginia)<br />
The Tigers lose the inside-out duo of Frankie Sullivan and Rob Chubb, two of the top three scorers from last season. Returning guard Chris Denson averaged 11.9 points per game in fewer than 25 minutes.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/mississippi-state-bulldogs.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px; margin: 4px; float: right;" />14. MISSISSIPPI STATE (10-22, 4-14)</strong></span><br />
<strong>Key players gone:</strong> Wendell Lewis<br />
<strong>Top returners: </strong>Trivante Bloodman, Colin Borchert, Roquez Johnson, Jalen Steele, Craig Sword, Fred Thomas&nbsp;<br />
<strong>New faces:</strong> Travis Daniels, Fallou Ndoye, Imara Ready, De’Runnya Wilson (freshmen)<br />
Mississippi State had the SEC’s thinnest roster last season, and it showed. At least the Bulldogs returns almost everyone from last season’s team and add a four-man signing class to boost depth. There’s still a long way to go in Starkville.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-56 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama Crimson Tide</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/tennessee-volunteers">Tennessee Volunteers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-55 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-conferences/sec">SEC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-68 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Miscellaneous:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4756">SEC Conference Snapshot</a></div></div></div>Thu, 23 May 2013 18:00:00 +0000David Fox21764 at http://athlonsports.comCollege Football's Top 20 Coaches on the Hot Seat for 2013http://athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-20-coaches-hot-seat-2013
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
College Football&#039;s Top 20 Coaches on the Hot Seat for 2013: Spring Practice Edition&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
<img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/23294-1/Kiffinweb.jpg" style="width: 195px; height: 255px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />The start of spring practice for all 125 <strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football" target="_blank">college football</a></strong> teams is a chance to start fresh and forget the bad results that came along with 2012. For a handful of coaches, spring practice is also the first opportunity to turn around a program and save their job for 2014.</p>
<p>
While coaches at Ohio State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Oregon, Stanford and Texas A&amp;M don’t have much to worry about in the way of job security, it’s different story for USC’s Lane Kiffin or Texas’ Mack Brown. USC and Texas are two of college football’s top-five jobs and neither program has met expectations in recent years. The Trojans were considered one of the top national contenders last season but finished with a 7-6 record. The Longhorns won nine games in 2012, but the jury is still out on whether or not Brown can get this team back in the national championship hunt.</p>
<p>
Even though the 2013 season is still months away, it’s never too early to start thinking about which jobs might come open in December. Here’s a look at the top 20 coaches on the hot seat for 2013:&nbsp;</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:18px;"><strong style="font-size: 16px; ">College Football's Coaches on the Hot Seat for 2013: Spring Practice Edition</strong></span></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>1. Lane Kiffin, USC</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at USC: </strong></span>25-13</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/usc-trojans.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />USC’s 2012 season has to be one of the most disappointing years from a BCS team in recent memory. The Trojans had national title aspirations but were physically dominated by Stanford in Week 3 and finished the year with losses in five out of their final six games. USC is still dealing with scholarship limitations from NCAA sanctions, so Kiffin doesn’t have a full complement of players and had to scale back tackling in practice to prevent injuries. And after last year’s disappointing mark, Kiffin shuffled the coaching staff, with Clancy Pendergast coming over from California to coordinate the defense. Despite the scholarship limitations, the pressure is still high on Kiffin to produce. The Trojans have enough talent to push UCLA and Arizona State for the Pac-12 South title in 2013. However, another 7-6 record could spell the end of Kiffin’s tenure in Los Angeles.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>2. Bobby Hauck, UNLV</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at UNLV:</strong></span> 6-32</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/unlv-rebels.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Hauck was a successful FCS coach at Montana, recording an 80-17 mark in seven seasons. Unfortunately for UNLV, that success hasn’t followed him to Sin City. The Rebels have won just three games in each of Hauck’s three seasons and lost to a FCS team in both 2011 and '12. As a program, UNLV has struggled to maintain success, but the Rebels have made little progress over the last few years. Hauck hired two new coordinators for 2013 and 16 returning starters are back, so there’s plenty of pressure to make a run at a winning record this fall.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>3. Paul Pasqualoni, Connecticut</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Connecticut: </strong></span>10-14</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/connecticut-huskies.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Pasqualoni was a strange hire and has done little to suggest he’s a long-term answer in Storrs. The Huskies had winning records in each of Randy Edsall’s last four years at Connecticut but have slipped to back-to-back 5-7 records. Considering the talent Pasqualoni inherited on defense, this program should not have missed a bowl in both seasons. However, a bad offense has been the primary culprit for this team’s struggles, as the Huskies have ranked 108th or worse nationally in Pasqualoni’s two seasons in offensive yards per game. Connecticut also has had its share of bad losses recently, losing to Western Michigan in back-to-back seasons, along with an overtime defeat to a rebuilding Temple team in 2012.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>4. Ron English, Eastern Michigan</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Eastern Michigan: </strong></span>10-38</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/eastern-michigan-eagles.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Coaching in Ypsilanti is one of the toughest jobs in college football. Eastern Michigan has just one winning season since 1990, and the program has won two or fewer games seven times during that span. English is a respected coach, but the Eagles haven’t made much progress under his watch. Eastern Michigan peaked with a 6-6 mark in 2011 but won a total of just four games in English’s three other years combined.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>5. Mack Brown, Texas</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Texas: </strong></span>150-43</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/texas-longhorns.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Texas is arguably the No. 1 job in college football, so three consecutive seasons of less than 10 victories isn’t acceptable in Austin. Under Brown’s watch, the Longhorns had at least 10 wins in every season from 2001-09, which included two national championship appearances. The program seems to have slipped in recent years, and Texas A&amp;M’s rise in the SEC certainly hasn’t helped Texas feel too good about its 22-16 mark the last three years. Brown has built some goodwill with his run in the early 2000s, but a losing season or 7-6 record this fall could force the Longhorns to make a change.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>6. Mike London, Virginia</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Virginia: </strong></span>16-21</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/virginia-cavaliers.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Just one season ago, London was considered one of the rising stars in the ACC. The Cavaliers were coming off of an 8-5 season and made an appearance in the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Auburn. What a difference one year can make. Virginia was one of the ACC’s biggest disappointments last year, finishing 4-8 and just 2-6 in conference play. London revamped his coaching staff for 2013, which now includes veteran assistants in former NC State head coach Tom O’Brien and defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta. The Cavaliers have a challenging schedule in 2013, which features non-conference games against BYU and Oregon, along with road trips to Miami, North Carolina and Pittsburgh in conference play. London isn’t necessarily facing a make-or-break season but another 4-8 record certainly wouldn’t sit well.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>7. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Iowa: </strong></span>100-74</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/iowa-hawkeyes.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Thanks to his hefty contract, Ferentz isn’t in any real danger of getting fired. However, that doesn’t preclude him from a top-10 spot on the hot seat. Iowa has watched its win total decline in every season since 2009, and it missed out on a bowl appearance last season for the first time since 2007. Ferentz also made a strange decision to hire Greg Davis as his offensive coordinator, which ended up as a disaster on the final stat sheet (111th-ranked scoring offense). Iowa has surprised when under the radar in previous years, but the Hawkeyes have a lot of question marks entering 2013, so Ferentz won’t get any relief from the fan base if he has another losing record.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>8. Tim Beckman, Illinois</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Illinois: </strong></span>2-10</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/illinois-fighting-illini.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Disaster is really the only way to sum up Beckman’s debut at Illinois. After a successful stint at Toledo, Beckman appeared to be the right coach to elevate the program after Ron Zook’s tenure. Instead of moving forward, the Fighting Illini took a huge step back. Illinois’ only victories came against Western Michigan and Charleston Southern and seven of its losses were by 20 or more points. As if those numbers weren’t bad enough, the Fighting Illini failed to win a conference game for the first time since 2005, and the school had to report a secondary violation to the NCAA after Beckman was caught chewing tobacco on the sidelines during a game. Beckman hit the JUCO ranks to upgrade Illinois’ talent level, but the Fighting Illini could have trouble escaping the Big Ten cellar in 2013. &nbsp;<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>9. Tony Levine, Houston</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Houston: </strong></span>6-7</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/37461-1/Houstonlogo.jpg" style="width: 55px; height: 46px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />With no head coaching or coordinator experience on his resume, Levine was a strange hire for Houston. His career started off on a high note, as Houston blasted Penn State 30-14 in the TicketCity Bowl. But the Cougars opened 2013 with an 0-3 record, including a loss to FBS newcomer Texas State. Houston rebounded to finish with a 5-7 mark, but Levine’s first year fell short of expectations. The Cougars have moved from Conference USA to the Big East, so there’s an increase in competition. Combine the tougher schedule with a new on-campus stadium opening in 2014, and it’s easy to see why Levine needs to build some momentum and show the program is on track this fall.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>10. Gary Pinkel, Missouri</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Missouri: </strong></span>90-61</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/missouri-tigers.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Pinkel led Missouri to three seasons of 10 or more wins from 2007-10, so it may seem strange to even place his name on the hot seat. However, with Missouri’s move to the SEC, the pressure on Pinkel is even greater than it was before. The Tigers have gone from a top-five program in the Big 12 to fighting with Vanderbilt and Tennessee for fourth place in the SEC East. Considering the Tigers had injuries to quarterback James Franklin and running back Henry Josey last season, it’s unfair to judge Pinkel and his staff based upon one year in college football’s No. 1 conference. However, if Missouri fails to get into a bowl game in 2013, a coaching change wouldn’t come as a complete shock. The Tigers simply can’t afford to fall too far behind in the SEC.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>11. Jeff Quinn, Buffalo</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Buffalo: </strong></span>9-27</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/buffalo-bulls.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Has Buffalo turned a corner under Quinn? The Bulls have increased their win total by one game in each of the last three years and finished 2012 by winning three out of their final four games. Buffalo also had a good showing in the loss to Georgia in the season opener, while it lost to Connecticut by just a touchdown and Pittsburgh by 13 points. With 15 returning starters and some momentum from the 2012 finish, the Bulls are poised to make a run at a winning record. If Quinn can get Buffalo to 4-8 or 5-7, he should be safe for another year.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>12. Doc Holliday, Marshall</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Marshall:</strong></span> 17-20</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/marshall-thundering-herd.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; float: right; " />After recording 11 seasons of 10 or more wins from 1991-2002, Marshall has not won more than eight games since 2003. The Thundering Herd has struggled to become a consistent contender in Conference USA, although there were signs of promise after Holliday led the program to a 7-6 mark in 2011. However, outside of 2011, Marshall has two 5-7 seasons under Holliday’s watch, and the Thundering Herd fielded a defense that allowed 43.1 points a game last year. Holliday has upgraded Marshall’s talent level but needs to produce on the field. With 15 starters back – including first-team All-C-USA quarterback Rakeem Cato – the Thundering Herd should be one of the top contenders this year in the revamped 14-team Conference USA.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>13. Rich Ellerson, Army</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Army: </strong></span>17-31</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/army-black-knights.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Ellerson seemed like the perfect fit at Army when he was hired prior to the 2009 season, and the Black Knights went 12-13 in his first two years. However, Army is just 5-18 over the last two seasons, and the program does not have a win over Navy since 2001. It’s hard to place the blame squarely on Ellerson’s shoulders, especially when Army has only four winning records since 1990. The 2013 schedule isn’t easy, but the Black Knights should be able to push for four victories, which is probably enough for Ellerson to stick around for another season.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>14. Dan Enos, Central Michigan</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Central Michigan: </strong></span>13-24</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/central-michigan-chippewas.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />The good: Central Michigan returned to the postseason after a two-year absence, beating Western Kentucky in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. The bad: While the victory at Iowa was impressive, the Chippewas' other regular-season wins came at the expense of Akron, Eastern Michigan, Miami (Ohio) and UMass – teams that went a combined 8-40 in 2012. Enos was rewarded with a contract extension, but the schedule is more challenging in 2013, and he needs to prove he can lead Central Michigan to wins against some of the top teams in the MAC on a consistent basis.<br />
</p>
<p>
<strong><span style="font-size:16px;">15. Charlie Weis, Kansas</span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;">Record at Kansas: </span></strong>1-11</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/kansas-jayhawks.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Weis didn’t inherit a great situation at Kansas, so he deserves some time to turn things around in Lawrence. However, he wasn’t the most popular hire and had a mediocre 35-27 mark during five seasons at Notre Dame. Weis hit the JUCO ranks hard this offseason and landed a couple of key transfers, including former BYU quarterback Jake Heaps, which should provide Kansas some hope for a quick turnaround. The Jayhawks haven’t won a Big 12 game in two years, so winning one conference matchup would help bolster Weis’ rebuilding project.<br />
</p>
<p>
<strong><span style="font-size:16px;">16. Dave Christensen, Wyoming</span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;">Record at Wyoming: </span></strong>22-27</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/wyoming-cowboys.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />The Cowboys have alternated winning and losing seasons during Christensen’s first four years, so if that trend holds true, Wyoming should be in line for a bowl game in 2013. While Christensen has two winning records and a 1-1 record in bowls at Wyoming, the Cowboys slipped to 4-8 last season and he was suspended for one game after an embarrassing postgame confrontation with Air Force coach Troy Calhoun. Christensen is a good coach and has the pieces in place to have a winning record in 2013. However, another losing season, especially after how 2012 transpired, could mark the end of his tenure in Laramie.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>17. Steve Sarkisian, Washington</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Washington: </strong></span>26-25</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/washington-huskies.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Sarkisian arrived at Washington with a lot of promise, but the Huskies opened his tenure with a 5-7 record and have recorded three consecutive 7-6 seasons. There’s no question Sarkisian and his staff has done a good job at elevating the talent level, but the Huskies need to turn the success on the recruiting trail into wins. With a schedule that features games against Boise State, Oregon, Stanford, UCLA and Arizona State in 2013, winning more than eight games will be a challenge for Washington.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>18. Don Treadwell, Miami (Ohio)</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Miami (Ohio): </strong></span>8-16</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/miami-oh-redhawks.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />As a former Miami player and assistant coach, Treadwell certainly knows what it takes to win in Oxford. Despite his background and experience with the school, the RedHawks are just 8-16 in Treadwell’s two seasons. Miami was 4-4 heading into the final month of last season, but closed with a four-game losing streak. The RedHawks’ cupboard isn’t bare for 2013, but quarterback Zac Dysert must be replaced. Even if Treadwell goes 4-8 again, he will probably return for 2014. However, with Marshall, Kentucky, Cincinnati and Illinois to open the 2013 season, Treadwell could start 0-4, which obviously won’t sit well in Oxford.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>19. Norm Chow, Hawaii</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Hawaii:</strong></span> 3-9</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/hawaii-warriors.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />Chow is just coming off of his first season at Hawaii and isn’t really in danger of losing his job this fall. While job security isn’t something Chow has to worry much about, he does need to show Hawaii is moving in the right direction. The Warriors lost by 30 or more points six times last season and scored victories over Lamar (FCS) and UNLV and South Alabama – who went a combined 4-22.<br />
</p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>20. Randy Edsall, Maryland</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Record at Maryland:</strong></span> 6-18</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/maryland-terrapins.png" style="width: 55px; height: 55px; margin: 3px; float: right; " />After a disastrous debut, Edsall seems to have Maryland moving in the right direction. Despite a rash of quarterback injuries, the Terrapins went 4-8 last season, which doubled their win total from 2011. Edsall still has a lot of work to do, as Maryland needs to rebuild its defense in 2013, along with finding a No. 1 running back. Making a bowl game is a realistic expectation for Edsall and the Terrapins this fall.</p>
<p>
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Related College Football Content</strong></span></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/ranking-college-footballs-coaching-jobs-2013" target="_blank">Ranking All 125 College Football Jobs for 2013</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-10-spring-storylines-watch-2013" target="_blank"><br />
College Football's Top 10 Spring Storylines to Watch for 2013</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-spring-quarterback-battles-2013" target="_blank"><br />
College Football's Top 15 Spring Quarterback Battles to Watch</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-5-running-backs-rise-2013" target="_blank"><br />
College Football's Top 5 Running Backs on the Rise for 2013</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-5-quarterbacks-rise-2013" target="_blank"><br />
College Football's Top 5 Quarterbacks on the Rise for 2013</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/acc-football-2013-spring-preview-and-storylines" target="_blank"><br />
ACC 2013 Spring Preview and Storylines</a></strong></span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-48 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/acc">ACC</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/big-12">Big 12</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/big-east">Big East</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/big-ten">Big Ten</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/conference-usa">Conference USA</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/independents">Independents</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/mac">MAC</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/mountain-west">Mountain West</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/pac-12-0">Pac 12</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/sec">SEC</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/sun-belt">Sun Belt</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-49 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/connecticut-huskies">Connecticut Huskies</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/houston-cougars">Houston Cougars</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/illinois-fighting-illini">Illinois Fighting Illini</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/iowa-hawkeyes">Iowa Hawkeyes</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/kansas-jayhawks">Kansas Jayhawks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/maryland-terrapins">Maryland Terrapins</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/virginia-cavaliers">Virginia Cavaliers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-68 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Miscellaneous:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4751">Hot Seat</a></div></div></div>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:55:01 +0000Steven Lassan20409 at http://athlonsports.com10 Most Exclusive "Clubs" in Sportshttp://athlonsports.com/college-football/10-greatest-accomplishments-sports
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
The 10 Greatest Accomplishments in Sports&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>Sports are filled with statistics that uber-nerds and casual fans alike can enjoy. Numbers and records help fans define greatness and settle arguments on talk radio and at the local watering holes on a daily basis.</p><p>Who is the greatest quarterback of all-time? What about running back? How about Jordan vs. Kobe? Ruth vs. Aaron? Tiger vs. Jack?</p><p>The discussions are endless and many have no right or wrong answer. But arguing about sports&rsquo; greatest players, coaches or teams is part of why competitive athletics are so popular. And with decades of numbers to call upon, fans have more information at their fingertips than ever before.</p><p>Exclusivity is a huge part of measuring any elite athlete. Did he do something no one &mdash; or in this case, very few people &mdash; has ever accomplished? Some &ldquo;sports clubs&rdquo; are more obvious than others and can clearly define the game&rsquo;s greatest players. Others are less obvious but no less intriguing.</p><p>Here are some of Athlon Sports&#39; favorite sports clubs and rarest accomplishments:</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/35230-1/AdrianPeterson_004.jpg" style="width: 260px; height: 340px; float: right; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 3px; " />2,000-yard Club (<span style="color:#f00;">7 members</span>):</strong></span><br />This one is pretty obvious and pretty exclusive. There are only seven players in the history of the NFL to have rushed for 2,000 yards in a season. <strong>Adrian Peterson </strong>became the latest when he rushed for 2,097 yards last fall, all while returning from a torn-up knee. Eric Dickerson owns the all-time record with 2,105 while Jamal Lewis (2,066), Barry Sanders (2,053), Terrell Davis (2,008), Chris Johnson (2,006) and O.J. Simpson (2,003) are the only other members of the 2K Club. Interestingly enough, only one other player has ever topped 1,900 yards and that was Earl Campbell in 1980 (1,934). And with the proliferation of high-flying passing offenses, the 2,000-yard running back is that much more impressive.</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>30,000-point Club (<span style="color:#f00;">6 members</span>):</strong></span><br />Scoring points is the only way to win basketball games and only six players in the history of either the NBA or ABA have ever topped 30,000 points in their career. And this club&#39;s membership might just also represent the six best players of all-time. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is basketball&rsquo;s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points and no one has ever really come close to catching him. Karl Malone (36,928), Michael Jordan (32,292), Wilt Chamberlain (31,419) and Kobe Bryant (30,834*) are the only other players to score at least 30,000 points in the NBA. Julius Erving reached the benchmark but needed 11,662 points in the ABA to reach the plateau.</p><p><em>* - number prior to Thur., Feb. 7 game against Boston</em></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>80-Goal Club (<span style="color:#f00;">3 members</span>):</strong></span><br />Only eight players in the history of the NHL have ever scored 70 goals in a season much less 80. Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull and Mario Lemieux are arguably the three greatest goal scorers in the history of the sport and their membership in the 80-goal club only confirms this. Gretzky is the only member of the 90-goal club and is the only player to top 80 goals twice (he topped 70 four times). Hull is No. 2 with 86 goals in 1990-91 and he has topped 70 goals three times. Super Mario is fourth all-time with 85 goals in 1988-89 and he also has also topped 70 more than once (2).</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Quarterbacks with four Super Bowl starts (<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">6 members</span>):</strong></span><br />Names like Troy Aikman (3-0), Bart Starr (2-0) and Eli Manning (2-0) might take offense to this club, but leading your team to four Super Bowls is an extremely rare accomplishment. Tom Brady (3-2) and John Elway (2-3) are the only two NFL quarterbacks with five Super Bowl starts. Terry Bradshaw (4-0) and Joe Montana (4-0) are the only two with perfect records in four starts. And Roger Staubach (2-2) and Jim Kelly (0-4) are both in Canton after taking their teams to the big game four times. No one in the history of the sport other than Kelly has gone to four straight Super Bowls. Aikman, Montana, Bradshaw and Brady are the only four players to ever win three Super Bowl starts.</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Reached base 5,000 times (<span style="color:#f00;">7 members</span>):</strong></span><br />No Major League Baseball player has ever gotten on base 6,000 times in his career, but seven players reached first at least 5,000 times. And they are seven of the greatest names to ever step onto a diamond. Pete Rose (5,929), Barry Bonds (5,599), Ty Cobb (5,532), Rickey Henderson (5,343), Carl Yastrzemski (5,304), Stan Musial (5,282) and Hank Aaron (5,205) are the only such players in MLB history. All topped the 5,200 mark as well, setting themselves apart even further from Tris Speaker (8th) and Babe Ruth (9th). What makes this club so great is its simplicity. The first and foremost goal when one steps to the plate &mdash; certainly the sabermetrics guys would agree &mdash; is to not get out and no one reached base more than these seven men.</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong style="font-size: 18px; ">6,000 yards passing and 4,000 yards rushing (<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">4 members</span>):</strong></span><br />The modern era of college football has watched electric athletes take control of the quarterback position. In fact, the pistol, zone read and option attacks are even starting to take hold of the NFL game as well. But the term dual-threat is reserved for the only four quarterbacks in NCAA history to pass for at least 6,000 yards through the air while gobbling up at least 4,000 yards on the ground. Missouri&rsquo;s Brad Smith (8,799 passing, 4,289 rushing) was the first to join the club in the early 2000s. He would soon be joined by West Virginia&rsquo;s Pat White (6,049 passing, 4,480 rushing), Nevada&rsquo;s Colin Kaepernick (10,098 passing, 4,112 rushing) and Michigan&rsquo;s Denard Robinson (6,250 passing, 4,495 rushing). They are the only four college quarterbacks to rush for 4,000 yards in their career and one look at Kaepernick&rsquo;s numbers and fans should understand how he led San Francisco to the Super Bowl.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/16543-1/King_43.jpg" style="width: 260px; height: 340px; float: right; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 3px; " /></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong style="font-size: 18px; ">Five-time NASCAR Champion (<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">3 members</span>):</strong></span><br />No one really argues that Dale Earnhardt and <strong>Richard Petty</strong> aren&rsquo;t the best two stock car drivers of all-time. So it is appropriate that the duo is tied for the most NASCAR championships with seven each. But they could be joined by another steely-eyed wheelman in Jimmie Johnson. Johnson is the only other driver with five points titles and he is the only driver to win five straight. Jeff Gordon is the only other driver with four championships, and should he win another title in the twilight of his career, he could join what many consider the three greatest drivers all-time with five trophies.</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Golf&rsquo;s Career Grand Slam (<span style="color:#f00;">5 members</span>):</strong></span><br />Golf&rsquo;s Mt. Rushmore has five names on it, not four. Only five players in the history of golf have won all four majors &mdash; aka the career Grand Slam &mdash; in their career. Jack Nicklaus leads the way with 18 major championships followed closely by Tiger Woods with 14, as each has won the career Grand Slam three times. Ben Hogan (9), Gary Player (8) and Gene Sarazen (7) are the only other pro golfers to accomplish the career foursome. In the pre-Masters Era which included The Amateur Open, Bobby Jones accomplished the career Grand Slam &mdash; and did it all in the same year (1930).</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>MLB&rsquo;s Triple Crown (<span style="color:#f00;">*5 members</span>):</strong></span><br />There are many lines of demarcation for one of America&#39;s oldest sports. Many begin counting at 1900 or consider the post-Black Sox (1919) era the &ldquo;modern&rdquo; era. Still others consider World War II or the expansion era (1962) as the best way to define baseball. However, the biggest and most influential time stamp came in 1947 when Jackie Robinson finally broke the color barrier. Since that time, only five men have won the Triple Crown of baseball &mdash; i.e., leading the league in batting average, home runs and runs batted in. Detroit&rsquo;s Miguel Cabrera (.330, 44 HR, 139 RBI) broke a 45-year triple crown drought when he led the AL in all three categories last season. Prior to Cabrera&#39;s remarkable season, Carl Yastrzemski (.326, 44 HR, 121 RBI) in 1967 had been the last to capture the Triple Crown. Frank Robinson (.316, 49 HR, 122 RBI) did it in 1966, Mickey Mantle (.353, 52 HR, 130 RBI) in &#39;56 and Ted Williams (.343, 32 HR, 114 RBI) pulled of the rare feat in &#39;47.</p><p><em>* - since integration</em></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>2,000 points and 900 assists (<span style="color:#f00;">2 members</span>):</strong></span><br />Oregon State&rsquo;s Gary Payton and Syracuse&rsquo;s Sherman Douglas are the only two players to score at least 2,000 points and dish out at least 900 assists in their college basketball careers. Douglas, nicknamed &ldquo;The General,&rdquo; left Syracuse with what was then the all-time NCAA lead in assists (960). When Payton, nicknamed &ldquo;The Glove,&rdquo; left school one year later, he was No. 2 all-time with 939 dimes. They are now sixth and 11th all-time. These two could soon be joined by another in this distinction, as current Ohio point guard D.J. Cooper is on pace to pass both benchmarks before this season is over. He has 1,905 career points and is averaging 13.5 per game this year, to go along with his 866 career assists and a 5.9 per game rate this season. He should easily become the third such player in NCAA hoops history to reach 2,000 points and 900 assists. If Cooper does reach these milestones he also will join Payton as the only two players with 2,000 points, 900 assists and 300 steals in their college careers.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-56 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CBK Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/syracuse-orange">Syracuse Orange</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/ohio-bobcats">Ohio Bobcats</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cbk-teams/oregon-state-beavers">Oregon State Beavers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-53 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/pittsburgh-steelers">Pittsburgh Steelers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-teams/san-francisco-49ers">San Francisco 49ers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-49 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/michigan-wolverines">Michigan Wolverines</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/west-virginia-mountaineers">West Virginia Mountaineers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-66 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NASCAR Drivers:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nascar-drivers/dale-earnhardt">Dale Earnhardt</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nascar-drivers/jimmie-johnson">Jimmie Johnson</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nascar-drivers/richard-petty">Richard Petty</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-54 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NFL Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/tom-brady">Tom Brady</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/adrian-peterson">Adrian Peterson</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/barry-sanders">Barry Sanders</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nfl-players/joe-montana">Joe Montana</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nfl-players/terry-bradshaw">Terry Bradshaw</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-64 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/st-louis-cardinals">St. Louis Cardinals</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/detroit-tigers">Detroit Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/new-york-yankees">New York Yankees</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-60 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NBA Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-teams/utah-jazz">Utah Jazz</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nba-teams/boston-celtics">Boston Celtics</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-teams/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nba-teams/chicago-bullds">Chicago Bullds</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-61 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">NBA Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-players/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nba-players/kobe-bryant">Kobe Bryant</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-players/kareem-abdul-jabbar">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/nba-players/karl-malone">Karl Malone</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/nba-players/wilt-chamberlain">Wilt Chamberlain</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-67 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">PGA Golfers:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/pga-golfers/tiger-woods">Tiger Woods</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/pga-golfers/jack-nicklaus">Jack Nicklaus</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/pga-golfers/ben-hogan">Ben Hogan</a></div></div></div><div class="field-collection-container clearfix"><div class="field field-name-field-must-read-links field-type-field-collection field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Must Read Links:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"><div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-must-read-links clearfix" class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-must-read-links">
<div class="content">
<div class="field field-name-field-exclude-unless-partner field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Exclude Unless Partner:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div> </div>
</div>
</div></div></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-exclude-from-feeds field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Exclude From Games:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Include In Games</div></div></div>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:55:19 +0000Braden Gall20075 at http://athlonsports.comSEC Week 1 Preview and Predictionshttp://athlonsports.com/college-football/sec-week-1-preview-and-predictions-2012
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
SEC Week 1 Preview and Predictions&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>The first week of action in the <strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/sec" target="_blank">SEC</a></strong> features an interesting slate of games. South Carolina-Vanderbilt open conference play on Thursday night, while Auburn and Alabama have a chance to earn key non-conference victories on Saturday. Tennessee takes on NC State on Friday night, and Kentucky travels to in-state rival Louisville on Sunday.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>SEC&#39;s Top Storylines to Watch in Week 1</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>1. What can <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/alabama-crimson-tide" target="_blank">Alabama</a> do to slow down Denard Robinson?</strong></span><br /><img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/alabama-crimson-tide.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; float: right; " />Robinson will be the most dangerous offensive player Alabama will face this season. But Michigan&rsquo;s senior quarterback has struggled throwing the ball against elite defenses &mdash; he completed 9-of-24 against Michigan State and 9-of-21 against Virginia Tech last season &mdash; and Alabama will make the man called Shoelace prove that can he move the ball by throwing it downfield. I would expect Nick Saban, Kirby Smart &amp; Co. will make it very difficult for Robinson to pick up large chunks of yards on ground. Sure, Robinson will make some plays scrambling out of the pocket, but I&rsquo;d be surprised if he has much success on designed running plays.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>2. Can <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/tennessee-volunteers" target="_blank">Tennessee</a> get its ground game going?</strong></span><br /><img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/tennessee-volunteers.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; float: right; " />Recently, much has been made about the dismissal of All-SEC wide receiver Da&rsquo;Rick Rogers, but the focus for Tennessee has to be on the running game. Last season, the Vols ranked last in the SEC in rushing and averaged an anemic 2.3 yards per carry vs. conference foes. That simply has to improve. It&rsquo;s very difficult to beat good teams if you can&rsquo;t run the ball &mdash; no matter how potent you might be in the passing game. There is talent on the offensive line, but the group has underachieved in recent years. New position coach Sam Pittman, formerly of North Carolina, must get his linemen to play with more physicality if the Vols are to show significant improvement in the running game.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>3. Kiehl Frazier makes his first start for <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/auburn-tigers" target="_blank">Auburn</a></strong></span><br /><img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/auburn-tigers.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; float: right; " />Frazier was hand-picked by former Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to run Malzahn&rsquo;s no-huddle attack. Well, Malzahn is now the head coach at Arkansas State, and Scot Loefler &mdash; who runs a pro-style offense &mdash; is calling the plays at Auburn. Frazier played in every game last year but was used almost exclusively as a runner. He attempted only five passes (completing two) while running the ball 76 times for 327 yards. It will be interesting to see how much Frazier is asked to do Saturday night vs. Clemson at the Georgia Dome.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>4. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/florida-gators" target="_blank">Florida</a>&rsquo;s quarterback derby</strong></span><br /><img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/florida-gators.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; float: right; " />Will Muschamp announced earlier this week that both quarterbacks &mdash;&nbsp;Jacoby Brisett and Jeff Driskel &mdash;&nbsp;will play Saturday vs. Bowling Green. One will play the first quarter and the other will play in the second quarter. At the half, Muschamp and offensive coordinator Brent Pease will decide who plays the rest of the way. This doesn&rsquo;t sound promising, but don&rsquo;t forget that Alabama was in a similar situation last season. AJ McCarron and Philip Sims both played against Kent State in the opener, allowing the staff to get a look at each quarterback in game situations. McCarron was tabbed the starter for Week 2 and went on to enjoy an outstanding season. Could it happen in Gainesville?</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>5. James Franklin&rsquo;s right shoulder</strong></span><br /><img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/missouri-tigers.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; float: right; " /><strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/missouri-tigers" target="_blank">Missouri</a></strong> coach Gary Pinkel has assured us that Franklin, his standout junior quarterback, will be completely recovered from surgery on his throwing shoulder in the spring. Franklin has looked good in preseason camp and is said to be making all the throws. Still, he needs to prove he can get it done in a real game, so it&rsquo;s important that Franklin plays well Saturday night against Southeastern Louisiana. Missouri will no doubt win the game and roll up a ton of yards, but keep an eye on Franklin. If he is truly 100 percent, the Tigers will have an opportunity to knock off Georgia in the program&rsquo;s first-ever SEC game in Week 2.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>6. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/kentucky-wildcats" target="_blank">Kentucky</a>&rsquo;s rushing yards</strong></span><br /><img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/kentucky-wildcats.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; float: right; " />How important is it for Kentucky to run the ball well vs. Louisville? Well consider the following: The team that has won the rushing battle has won the last 13 Kentucky-Louisville games. Also, the Wildcats are 8&ndash;0 under Joker Phillips when rushing for 200-plus yards. UK ranked 90<sup>th</sup> in the nation and 11<sup>th</sup> in the SEC in rushing last season, but the coaching staff believes the 2012 Cats will be much-improved on the ground thanks to the return of veterans CoShik Williams, Raymond Sanders and Jonathan George.</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>7. Zach Mettenberger&rsquo;s first start</strong></span><br /><img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/lsu-tigers.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; float: right; " />When he signed with Georgia as a 4-star recruit in 2009, Mettenberger probably didn&rsquo;t think it would be four years before he would be starting his first game in the FBS ranks. But that is the reality for the 6-5, 230-pound fourth-year junior who arrived at <strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/lsu-tigers" target="_blank">LSU</a></strong> after a stop at Butler (Kan.) Community College. The strong-armed Mettenberger could be the missing link on an offense that struggled to throw the ball against quality competition last season. The Tigers boast one of the nation&rsquo;s top offensive lines, are loaded at tailback, and feature some quality young weapons at wide receiver. If Mettenberger plays well, this offense will be very difficult to stop. &nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>8. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/georgia-bulldogs" target="_blank">Georgia</a> starting a true freshman at right tackle</strong></span><img alt="" src="http://i.athcdn.com.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/georgia-bulldogs.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; float: right; " /><br />The Bulldogs are the popular pick to repeat in the SEC East, but this still a team with some issues heading into the 2012 season. The biggest concern could be on the offensive line, where Georgia must replace three seniors. This weekend, all eyes will be on John Theus, a true freshman who will get the start at right tackle. There will obviously be more difficult tests down the road, but Buffalo features some decent talent on defense, especially on its front seven. It&rsquo;s a safe bet that UB defensive coordinator Lou Tepper &mdash; yes, the former Illinois head coach is still around &mdash; will try to confuse Theus and the Dawgs&rsquo; offensive line.&nbsp;</p><p><br /><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Week 1 SEC Predictions</strong></span><br />&nbsp;</p><table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 660px;"><tbody><tr><td style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:12px;">Week 1 SEC Predictions</span></td><td style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:12px;">David Fox</span></td><td style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:12px;">Braden Gall</span></td><td style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:12px;">Steven Lassan</span></td><td style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:12px;">Mitch Light</span></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size:12px;">South Carolina (-8) at Vanderbilt</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">South Carolina 28-14</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">South Carolina 31-21</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">South Carolina 27-24</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">South Carolina 28-24</span></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Tennessee (-3) vs. NC State (Atlanta)</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">NC State 17-14</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Tennessee 34-31</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">NC State 31-27</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Tennessee 34-27</span></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Buffalo at Georgia (-38)</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Georgia 42-7</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Georgia 49-10</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Georgia 49-13</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Georgia 41-10</span></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Bowling Green at Florida (-29)</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Florida 28-7</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Florida 24-0</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Florida 37-17</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Florida 31-14</span></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size:12px;">SE Louisiana at Missouri</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Missouri 42-3</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Missouri 41-13</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Missouri 45-7</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Missouri 51-6</span></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Jacksonville State at Arkansas</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Arkansas 35-7</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Arkansas 45-7</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Arkansas 52-13</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Arkansas 38-14</span></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Clemson (-3) vs. Auburn (Atlanta)</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Clemson 31-24</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Clemson 31-27</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Clemson 27-24</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Clemson 30-20</span></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size:12px;">North Texas at LSU (-43)</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">LSU 42-10</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">LSU 52-7</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">LSU 51-10</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">LSU 44-14</span></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Central Arkansas at Ole Miss</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Ole Miss 24-13</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Ole Miss 24-7</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Ole Miss 38-10</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Ole Miss 30-7</span></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Jackson State at Mississippi State</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Mississippi State 28-10</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Mississippi State 35-10</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Mississippi State 40-10</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Mississippi State 41-10</span></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Michigan vs. Alabama (-13.5) (Arlington)</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Alabama 28-21</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Alabama 31-17</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Alabama 31-13</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Alabama 27-13</span></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Kentucky at Louisville (-13)</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Louisville 31-14</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Louisville 24-13</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Louisville 27-17</span></td><td><span style="font-size:12px;">Louisville 30-20</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /><span style="font-size:14px;"><em><strong>by Mitch Light </strong></em></span></p><p><strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" data-size="large" href="https://twitter.com/athlonmitch">Follow @athlonmitch</a></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Related College Football Content</strong></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/acc-week-1-preview-and-predictions" target="_blank">ACC Week 1 Previews and Predictions</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/big-east-week-1-preview-and-predictions" target="_blank">Big East Week 1 Previews and Predictions</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/big-ten-week-1-preview-and-predictions" target="_blank">Big Ten Week 1 Previews and Predictions</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/big-12-week-1-preview-and-predictions" target="_blank">Big 12 Week 1 Previews and Predictions</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/pac-12-week-1-preview-and-predictions" target="_blank">Pac-12 Week 1 Previews and Predictions</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-week-1-upset-picks" target="_blank">College Football Week 1 Upset Picks</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-bowl-projections-2012" target="_blank">Athlon&#39;s 2012 Bowl Projections</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25" target="_blank">Ranking All College Football Teams 1-124</a></strong></span></strong></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-48 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/sec">SEC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-49 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama Crimson Tide</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/arkansas-razorbacks">Arkansas Razorbacks</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/auburn-tigers">Auburn Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/georgia-bulldogs">Georgia Bulldogs</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/kentucky-wildcats">Kentucky Wildcats</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/lsu-tigers">LSU Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/mississippi-state-bulldogs">Mississippi State Bulldogs</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/ole-miss-rebels">Ole Miss Rebels</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/south-carolina-gamecocks">South Carolina Gamecocks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/tennessee-volunteers">Tennessee Volunteers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/texas-am-aggies">Texas A&amp;M Aggies</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-teams/vanderbilt-commodores">Vanderbilt Commodores</a></div></div></div>Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:05:36 +0000Steven Lassan12079 at http://athlonsports.comCollege Football’s Pivotal Players: Eight from the SEChttp://athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football%E2%80%99s-pivotal-players-eight-sec
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
College Football’s Pivotal Players: Eight from the SEC&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
<span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">This week, teams around the nation moved from preseason camp mode and into game-week preparation.<br />
<br />
We’re starting to see coaches name starting quarterbacks and settle on position battles.<br />
<br />
Although questions are still out there before the season, some weigh more heavily than others. As the preseason winds down, we’re picking who we believe to be “pivotal players,” or in other words, key players who need to step up where their teams need them most.<br />
<br />
<strong>Athlon Sports’ characteristics of a “pivotal player:”</strong><br />
• He plays for a conference or division contender.<br />
• He plays at a position of weakness for his team.<br />
• He’s an unestablished player with potential to solidify his team’s position of weakness.<br />
<br />
We begin our look at pivotal players with the SEC on our final day of the series.</span></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> SEC PIVOTAL PLAYERS</span></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/florida-gators.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right;" />Jacoby Brissett or Jeff Driskel, QB, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/florida-gators">Florida</a></strong></span><br />
The Gators’ post-Tebow quarterback conundrum will continue into its third season. And by the sound of things, Will Muschamp doesn’t have an answer yet.&nbsp; Brissett and Driskel will both play in the opener against Bowling Green and will rotate series by series or quarter by quarter -- a recipe that generally isn’t conducive to success. Florida has little time to make a decision with road trips to Texas A&amp;M and Tennessee in the second and third weeks of the season.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/alabama-crimson-tide.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right;" />Trey DePriest, LB, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama</a></strong></span><br />
Few places on Alabama’s defense could be classified as a ”weakness.” There’s too much talent for that, but without Dont’a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw, the Crimson Tide is looking to break in new faces at linebacker. The sophomore may be a good bet to make a name for himself as he steps in for Hightower at middle linebacker. DePriest had 25 tackles as a freshman last season. He may have little trouble topping that number this season.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/missouri-tigers.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right;" />Kendial Lawrence, RB, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/missouri-tigers">Missouri</a></strong></span><br />
Pass-heavy teams can win in the Big 12, but can it be done in the SEC in 2012? With quarterback James Franklin and wide receivers T.J. Moe and Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri should be among the best passing teams in the SEC. How Lawrence performs in the absence of Henry Josey will be the key to a balanced offense. Lawrence returned from a leg injury last season to fill in for an injured Josey, topping 100 yards twice in his last four games against standout defenses for Texas and North Carolina.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/tennessee-volunteers.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right;" />Rajion Neal, RB, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/tennessee-volunteers">Tennessee</a></strong></span><br />
It’s mind-boggling the school that produced Arian Foster, Jamal Lewis and Travis Henry had the worst run game in the SEC for the last two seasons. Neal played running back and receiver last season, but Derek Dooley named him the starting tailback during preseason camp. Neal solved fumbling issues from earlier in his career and was the most consistent candidate in practice. Now, he needs to perform during the season.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong> <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/georgia-bulldogs.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right;" />Kenarious Gates, OT, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/georgia-bulldogs">Georgia</a></strong></span><br />
Gates started nine games last season, but he’ll take a bigger role in 2012 on Georgia’s biggest question mark on offense. After two seasons at right and left guard, Gates steps into the left tackle position vacated by NFL second-round draft Cordy Glenn. A 6-foot-5 and 328 pounds, Gates has the size to play tackle in the SEC. He’ll soon find out if he can hold his own over the course of the season.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/south-carolina-gamecocks.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right;" />Ace Sanders, WR, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/south-carolina-gamecocks">South Carolina</a></strong></span><br />
Alshon Jeffery had a down season last year, but he was still a clear No. 1 target with nearly twice as many receiving yards as South Carolina’s second-leading receiver Sanders. At 5-8, Sanders doesn’t match Jeffery’s size, but Sanders wins in the speed department -- he averaged 9.3 yards on punt returns. South Carolina has a handful of candidates to replace Jeffery, but Sanders is the most experienced.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/lsu-tigers.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right;" />Tharold Simon, CB, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/lsu-tigers">LSU</a></strong></span><br />
Quarterback Zach Mettenberger may be the key player to LSU’s season, but the Tigers already proved they could win the SEC despite a question mark at quarterback. Tyrann Mathieu was LSU’s best defensive playmaker, but he wasn’t the most technically sound defensive back. Simon, though, can be a lockdown cornerback. With Mathieu gone and a freshman likely to start alongside Simon, opponents may try to test the LSU secondary more than a year ago.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"> <span><strong><img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/100x100/arkansas-razorbacks.png" style="width: 60px; height: 60px; margin: 3px; float: right;" />Tenarius Wright, LB, </strong></span><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/tag/arkansas-razorbacks"><span><strong>Arkansas</strong></span></a></span><br />
Wright was a somewhat established player the last two seasons with nine starts and 20 tackles for a loss, but that was at defensive end. With Jerry Franklin gone, Arkansas moved the 6-2, 252-pound senior to middle linebacker. He’s played linebacker before, but that was in high school. Back at the position since spring, Wright might hold the key to the Arkansas defense.</p>
<p>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; "><strong>Previous pivotal players</strong></span><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-pivotal-players-six-acc"><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; ">ACC</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; "><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football%E2%80%99s-pivotal-players-seven-big-12">Big 12</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-pivotal-players-five-big-east"><br />
Big East</a><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-pivotal-players-seven-big-ten"><br />
Big Ten</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size:16px;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football%E2%80%99s-pivotal-players-seven-pac-12"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Pac-12<br />
<br />
</span></a></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em>-David Fox&nbsp;</em></span></span></p>
<p>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" data-size="large" href="https://twitter.com/DavidFox615" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; ">Follow @DavidFox615</a></span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-48 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/sec">SEC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-50 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-players/arkansas-razorbacks">Arkansas Razorbacks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-players/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-players/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama Crimson Tide</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-players/lsu-tigers">LSU Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-players/florida-gators">Florida Gators</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-players/georgia-bulldogs">Georgia Bulldogs</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-players/south-carolina-gamecocks">South Carolina Gamecocks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-players/tennessee-virginia">Tennessee Virginia</a></div></div></div>Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:03:01 +0000David Fox12069 at http://athlonsports.comArkansas and Nebraska Among Signing Day Struggleshttp://athlonsports.com/college-football/arkansas-and-nebraska-among-signing-day-struggles
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">&lt;p&gt;
Arkansas and Nebraska Among Signing Day Struggles&lt;/p&gt;
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>
<em>-by Patrick Snow (<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.twitter.com/athlonsnowman" target="_blank">@AthlonSnowman</a> on twitter)</em></p>
<p>
We all know recruiting rankings are very subjective, but it is also true that every fan base would like a highly-ranked class. A star-studded haul is no guarantee of future success, but the odds increase greatly with the more talent your team inks on National Signing Day. Here is a look at some teams that finished with a whimper at the end of the long recruiting process. These teams may end up with good classes, but they barely scratched or completely missed the AC100 and/or a top 25 class ranking.</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/28355-1/GreenBeckhamDorial300.jpg" style="margin: 2px; width: 240px; float: right; height: 234px" />1. <strong><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/cfb/teamstats.asp?team=0074&amp;report=teamhome" target="_blank">Arkansas</a></strong><br />
The Hogs could have crept into the top 25 of most ranking services if they could have landed the top prospect in the nation, receiver <strong>Dorial Green-Beckham</strong>. Instead, the country’s top-rated pass catcher stayed in-state with the Missouri Tigers. Bobby Petrino’s signing class is still fairly solid, but Arkansas fans would have liked to have finished better after an 11-win season and a Cotton Bowl victory. The Hogs will rank in the bottom half of America’s toughest conference, looking up at division rivals Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Texas A&amp;M and Mississippi State. Arkansas did get some good news with the last-minute flip of Louisiana linebacker Otha Peters, but the lack of star power stands out in the rough and tough SEC.</p>
<p>
2. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/cfb/teamstats.asp?team=0023&amp;report=teamhome" target="_blank"><strong>Nebraska</strong></a><br />
The Cornhuskers also have a fairly solid class, but it was definitely a disappointment to miss on five-star offensive lineman Andrus Peat. The top tackle, whose brother Todd plays for the Huskers, opted for Stanford over NU. Bo Pelini could have also used some secondary help with Devian Shelton, who also went to the Pac-12 with USC. We should recognize that Nebraska did not always have top-rated recruiting classes when Tom Osborne’s clubs were dominating in the ‘90s, but this class will be on the cusp of the top 25 while Legends rival Michigan will be in the top 10. The Huskers did fairly well but signing a Peat or Shelton would have helped greatly.</p>
<p>
3. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/cfb/teamstats.asp?team=0030&amp;report=teamhome" target="_blank"><strong>Michigan State</strong></a><br />
There was just not much recruiting buzz around Lansing this year despite an 11-win season and Big Ten Legends Division crown. The Spartans got a couple of the state’s top prospects in receiver Aaron Burbridge and pass rusher Jamal Lyles, but they saw the hated Wolverines winning most of the in-state battles. Despite the quality season and holding on to defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, this MSU class is not anywhere near the top 25 of the team rankings. That fact especially hurts when Michigan will be in the top 10 and seems to have much more momentum around the program.</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/28330-1/ThompsonShaq300.jpg" style="margin: 2px; width: 240px; float: right; height: 228px" />4. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/cfb/teamstats.asp?team=0059&amp;report=teamhome" target="_blank"><strong>Cal</strong></a><br />
No team’s recruiting effort was affected more by a coaching defection than the Bears. Tosh Lupoi, the defensive line coach and ace recruiter, severely damaged the Cal’s class with his move to Washington in January. At the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, three highly-rated prospects —safety <strong>Shaq Thompson</strong> (whose brother Syd'Quan starred at Cal), defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy and receiver Jordan Payton — committed to the Bears. However, that trio as well as top defensive end Arik Armstead, who had once had Cal as his leader, all signed elsewhere in the Pac-12. Those changes are especially painful in light of Bay Area and Big Game rival Stanford vaulting into the top 10 classes with an amazing close on National Signing Day.</p>
<p>
5. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.athlonsports.com/cfb/teamstats.asp?team=0025&amp;report=teamhome" target="_blank"><strong>Oklahoma State</strong></a><br />
The Cowboys failed to capitalize on the school’s best season ever, a 12-1 campaign that resulted in a Big 12 championship and Fiesta Bowl victory over Stanford. OSU will rank in the bottom half of the conference, and that’s even with Missouri and Texas A&amp;M moving on to the SEC. Mike Gundy’s staff tried to flip top Texas safety LaDarrell McNeil to no avail and also struggled within the Sooner State. Much like the Spartans above, the Cowboys might not crack the top 30 classes while their rivals, Oklahoma and Texas, will be in the top 10.<br />
</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-48 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Conferences:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/big-ten">Big Ten</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/big-12">Big 12</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-conferences/sec">SEC</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-50 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">CFB Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-players/arkansas-razorbacks">Arkansas Razorbacks</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-players/nebraska-cornhuskers">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-players/michigan-state-spartans">Michigan State Spartans</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-players/cal-bears">Cal Bears</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-players/oklahoma-state-cowboys">Oklahoma State Cowboys</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-players/missouri-tigers">Missouri Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-players/michigan-wolverines">Michigan Wolverines</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/cfb-players/alabama-crimson-tide">Alabama Crimson Tide</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/cfb-players/lsu-tigers">LSU Tigers</a></div></div></div>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:08:30 +0000Patrick Snow8876 at http://athlonsports.com